Just throwing an idea into the mix...
How about making qualification as a judge dependant upon reviewing a cirtain number of games to a particular standard after the contest?
So, you would need to write the standard, and have several volunteers in advance set to judge the review standard. When the chef competition is done, then the competition to see who gets to be judge begins. It has been proposed before on the 24 hour thing in jest, but why not have a competition to see who is going to be the judges?
Warm regards,
Evan
PS the lack of Delta next year would discourage me from taking part. Not saying that I wouldn't take part, just that I would be discouraged. I found Delta's work as judge and reviewer one of the clear highlights of the competition.