i usually think of 3 as the cut off roughly (possibly wishful thinking since my Six Years Old design scored a 3.03 but nevermind) so don't rule it out just yet :)

the score doesn't seem to matter. there have been multiple designs with a score less than 2.0 (mona prankster, sorrow, etc.) that have been printed. I think it's the commentary you get that counts but a high score such as one above 3.0 probably helps out.

A year ago an average of 3 was considered a very high score. You would rarely see anything above that (with the exception of a few, like flowers in the attack ofcourse)



This year it seems the average score's a little over 3, nearing 3.3ish.



I can only put this down to the mass influx of 'new' users who have registered this year. (If you check the most active users, via blog entries, and comments in general you'll see most have registered this year)



And to the fact that with these new users has come a new 'standard' in the way they vote. Whilst older users may vote a little harsher, it seems the new users are voting a lot higher for standard and sub-standard designs.



I can only compare my voting habits with those that have commented on the numerous "how do you vote?" blogs.



I generally give a 1 to every design (unless I absolutely loathe the design, e.g if they clearly copied someone elses artwork, or if the design is pro-war/bush)



2's are given to above average designs

3's to designs that are exceptional

4's to designs that areexceptionally exceptional, but have something slightly amiss.



and 5's to the designs which are near flawless.



I rarely give out 3's, 4's or 5's

congrats! nice score!