In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com:
Why are these nominees being so po-faced about the whole thing? Of course these things are subjective- when hasn't there been fierce argument about the Booker or Nobel prizes? Even prizes for science aren't "scientific" in the final choice.
Surely one can gracefully accept the vote of pretty clued-up peers & enjoy the "controversy" with a smile? If a "wrong" choice has been made then the debate on styles & ethics should be a healthy thing, generating some interesting debate, just as it always does with,say, the Booker.
There's no way anyone climbing at this level is doing these things with the thought of prizes at the forefront (or even at the back, I imagine) of their minds, as what possible gain is there? Certainly no significant financial benefit, just the pleasant glow of the acknowledgement of peers.
Can't they enjoy what is supposed to be a celebration of what they love with less of the ego-angst, and have a laugh at the absurdity of it all?