Contest #3 has come to a close, with 31 solutions sent in by 15 participants. There were lots of different approaches, and the winning one is completely unique compared to all others, which I find especially intriguing.
The general approaches to the problem can be categorized in 3 groups:
1) Over the top with tension (shooting)
2) Over the top without tension (bagging? )
3) Going down and up (as the name of the level suggested - and the winner followed this principle )
Get the solutions here!
The above zip (compiled by Bob) contains the best effort by every author, and alternate solutions.
Here are some short descriptions and screenshots from a small selection of solutions:
Category 1:
This solution by FFT has a very strong shooting/deflecting mechanism and is a good example of a category 1 construction.
Ogre again built an interesting shooter, using a tensioned rope and weight instead of rubber.
Category 2:
My bag/carrying solution is somewhat interesting as it uses the same construction as a weight and catcher.
PP perfected the no-tension over the top approach with this solution, scoring an impressive $4736.
Category 3:
The winning solution by BFC is actually the only competitive solution of this type. It uses a swing, a weight to use the "natural tension" of the rope and a scoop for the last step. Absolutely ingenious!
Category Jedi:
There were actually 2 solutions cheaper than the above, however, they are only qualified to compete for the "dark" price due to using the force. One was by me, scoring $4812, the other by kingofthespill:
He scored $4844 and thus wins the EVIL award .
So, to recap, this contest was perhaps the most interesting of all so far, with wildly different approaches all of which had a fair chance at winning. Congratulations to BFC (and kingofthespill), and thanks to everyone who participated. Special thanks to Bob for hosting the contest and providing the screenshots for this thread.