I just did a little bit of reading and catching up, and thought of an idea to pitch (if possible) that I had pitched to Rongi previously.
I think the contest was set up reasonably, and I know Rongi has a soft spot for all of the contestants, and I think that somewhat hampers him from being critical when he gets the initial photos. Hence the 80% crystal background moment. And I totally don't mean that as an insult, Rongi is just a big teddy bear. I just think the contest could use a mentor figure.
I am a big fan of Project Runway, and I think it would be entirely helpful and completely invaluable to have someone give critical feedback on each shot. So in my head some brave volunteer would review every photo the week before it is posted and give feedback to each model, in terms of "This doesn't really have 80% crystal background," "I'm worried the overall strength of the picture is weak," "Your outfit clashes with the background." Things like that, not tailoring the picture to their personal taste, but making sure every photo is truly strong and the voting won't be a landslide one way or the other. I think it would also take the pressure off of Rongi (and Tyriont too) of holding up technical requirements, and it would also be less of a shock for any model who thinks "Awh yeah I'm going to rock next week!" and gets a landslide of "I hate your picture," from the regular voters. Obviously this mentor wouldn't have a say in the votes, but would just be the person who cheers people on and tells them how they can improve their work-in-progress shot before it is put up for the voters.
Just a thought.
