I've noticed as well that MANY of the higher ranked designs came from those whom when you look at their profile have entered ONE contest- THIS ONE.

Which makes me wonder- perhaps members from Rick Warrens church (the church with 20,000 members).

Perhaps it went like this at church the sunday before contest began:

"okay folks, we are doing a contest for the new book cover, go to 99Designs and enter. Then send us a PM letting us know that you are a member of Saddleback. We'll be sure to pay extra close attention to those designs. Oh an also, we're gonna tell all them hard-working designers who will flock from 99Designs that we are not gonna allow stock-images. But don't worry- we will. We just want to make sure that the truly talented designers and photographers participate so that we can get a sense of what a good, professional and HONEST design looks like. Don't worry though- a Saddleback member will win this contest."

Well- it may have went something like that. :)