I don't think this idea has enough momentum at the moment because we haven't had our previous virtual touring troll around for a while disparaging other peoples bikes as cheap low quality while touting the virtues of spending as much as one possibly can on a dream bike. Things have actually been fairly pleasant lately. As Jefnvk pointed out, the good that came out of those encounters was the notion that it doesn't take a lot to tour if one really wants to just get out on the road. The inexpensive build contest really acted to counter those negative notions that you needed "expensive custom" to tour right.

Rather than cheap for cheap's sake, a good example would have been Dale (aka Snuts) who followed his dream of touring on a modest bike (complete with insulated Thermos front bag) while posting with such an enthusiastic and positive POV that he made friends here with just about everyone. I don't think he said an unkind word to anyone. The goal wasn't cheap as much as "be happy doing it with what you've got".

No Control: Why not document your build and just invite others to post in with theirs if they are doing one as well. My focus this winter is on upgrading two specific bikes so I am not doing any rebuilds just for fun as usual.