So I guess this loops around, because people who don't follow the rules don't get to play in the sandbox.

I totally dig this and agree with you--and I'm as big a rule-breaker, which is why I didn't enter that many contests. Wasn't worth my while to follow all the damned rules and why waste my time and/or money?

However-- don't you think that some of the screaming frustration expressed by so many comes from seeing manuscripts that openly break rules (whatever the rule du jour happens to be) get noticed/published/receive acclaim?

I'm just playing a little Devil's Advocate here.