Billy:
How about instead of a noncontest contest, why not make it a charity auction? Invite potential buyers to this gathering. Everybuilder chooses a charity. The minimum bid starts at the cost for parts only(with receipts) and no labor because it's a labor of love. The proceeds minus cost of parts will go to the charity chosen by the builder. The rod that fetches the most money net of cost for parts is not the winner but rather the most popular. The builder has the option to donate the entire proceeds or receive the cost for parts back.
There are many charities that need help. Those charities can include ones who helpthe recreational anglers too. The new regs are really bad. JMHO. Thanks for reading.
Rockin