I do not believe many in this compo understood that "arpfest" doesn't mean it's classical meaning so much as effect-rate arps instead of full chords.

Also a few didn't understand what nsf+ means

Everybody's a criticist

@xyz: "Also a few didn't understand what nsf+ means"

are you referring to the ones that used only 2a03? because you can still submit 2a03 only tracks to the nsf+ category.

It certainly wins no "A for effort" from me

Well, clearly, I was in the camp that interpreted "arpfest" as classical arpeggios, not specifically utilizing 0xy (though I figured at the start that either would be following the theme). I've seen the word arpfest used a couple of times on BotB, but a clear definition is something I haven't seen. Referring to the majority of votes, either I wasn't the only one to make this assumption, or these voters were being lenient.

Of course, none of that actually matters, since you're free to vote as you like, and interpret the theme however you like. I just thought I'd explain myself, and perhaps sway your opinion!

Whenever I saw the "arpfest" tag on botb it was usually on songs that used effect-rate arps instead of classical ones, so I kind of agree with Xyz's definition.

That being said, classical arps are better anyway so who cares

Arpfest is usually associated with demostyle tunes.