One problem with digging stuff out of the parts bin is that it can get hard to put a value on it. For a previous iteration of this contest, we went with whatever seemed to be market value, but that's a pretty huge range. For example, I have a 21" men's Raleigh Sports frame plus crankset and brakes hanging in the basement. Someone on CL gave it away for free, and it looks like it's been living under a dirt mound for a few decades. What the heck would the value of that be?!
Of course, the "judges" have maintained radio silence, so it's all moot. Wake up, @
noglider!