Wow...that's a pretty sweeping statement. As Bill Brandt just juried an exhibit that I will be part of, I'm curious in which category you would place him, crook or axe grinder?
A photo contest judged from the grave? Could be interesting!
But the correct category is: guy who short-circuited an entire generation of photographers by the example of printing everything on #5 Brovira, and way too dark at that. The higher grades of Brovira were a reliable substitute for talent, and gawd how I miss them.
And, I have good information that Shakespeare wrote plays in large part for the money. Normal expectations aside, one is not actually required to go broke in the making of art, or make excuses in the harsh light of financial success.
But having judged quite a few contests and exhibits, I'll stick with my swipe-count competitions, and countless gallery owners will back me up. There is a purity to such simple tallies not usually seen on the judging panel where the lateness of the day and the condition of one's digestive tract too often dictate the winners.