Now after sleeping on it for a few minutes, you could argue that people mostly joined the contest because of that money, I initially looked at OP alone and saw "donated", but after seeing the merits and "sponsor" on his post, I realized this was the moment that he f'ed up.

Though the only benefit was the merits, however from a moral standpoint, this is the same as not delivering what was promised, but legally, I don't know if a post could be considered as a contract.

And now if anyone wants to have a sweet revenge, this is the time, because by community standards(bounty, signature campaigns not honoring the deal warrants for a flag as well) this is good to go.

Such a waste of so much merits.😶