We would all do well to remember that this is Coinographics contest and that they are contributing something to the community not many others can. In fact, I don't know of any other Bit/Lite/Doge/etc coin producer who lets the community design AND decide on what coins get made. If your design isn't getting votes, it's not necessarily because no-one likes it, it's because they like at least one other design a bit more. Let the contest run its course and Coinographic decide what's fair and whats not. he did for the last contest and I see no reason why he wouldn't for this one.
Yes it seems like at the end of the day this is how Coinographic wants the contest to go. Hopefully they are happy with the design that wins as they will be the ones spending their time and money to produce it and sell it. Also hopefully any problems with the contest set up doesn't leave a bad taste in anyones mouth about the company/its products...
Seems like they could open voting to the public, and then they could choose a design to create from the top 3 vote recipients. I know I would want the final say if I was going to mint a coin.