It dosnt HAVE to be by moderators, it could, be judged bye the ancient modelers around these parts, ones that know what edge loops are, know good and bad poly flow when they see it.
These contest's havent really been proper, its more or less like, "vote for your friend, not the best model/skin"
On seconds thought, we could just keep it as is now, but make the people who vote, POST and say WHY that voted for that person.
Also, I think there should actually be a prize involved in these contests, not just "Name the next contest", but possibly crowned "ESF Model Champ", make a announcement declaring that "so and so" won! Possibly get it posted on the esf news, "So and so won the contest, congrats to him!"
Put some Flavour back in these contests.