I actually think the system is set up just fine. The way the pieces are generated by rank, is by becoming a member and rating just how well the piece looks to YOU. Again, there are a lot of lurkers, so they rank accordingly to what they like, and may differ in artistic tastes.(mostly people that enjoy fan art) That's NOT saying their tastes are worse than people who do submit things. Also, you have to consider that just because their are a ton of favorites on a piece, that it will automatically receive top honors. Again, the ratings factor definitely comes into play.
Not to mention, the reason why some are higher in the ranking than others, is the time they've been in the gallery. Of course the quicker or earlier you submit something in the year, the more ratings/favorites it will most likely accumulate on average, rather than submitting a stunning piece later in the year. You could say there is a flaw, but most is associated by taste, not by system...in my opinion, of course.
@Sedge-spank-my-monkey: The correct spelling is B.O.B. I'm taking your golden star sticker from beside your name, on the chalk board, so you'll learn your lesson...you dirty animal...
@pkmays: could you be more specific? Not to be nosey, but which pieces did you think deserved higher ranking?(not to call out names or anything)