Sorry about that, it's an unfortunate side-effect of us moving to a more open and democratic system.I think the fact people can see who's voted what is a bit of a put off.
Pastel shades or primary colours?I think there should be three categories within layout creating
1, Newbie creator, someone who's started creating layouts within a year,
2, Active layout creator, someone who creates layouts regularly or within the last one-three years,
And finally 3, Inactive layout creator
Someone who's made layouts but haven't released anything in the last three years, but if they release something today say then they'd be moved up to Active layout creator. Also instead of the banners the name would be three shades of green, light green/newbie, normal green/active. Dark green/inactive.
Something to think about in my eyes a good idea.
I quite like mauve. Or lilac.
I'm liking the suggestions about other ways of recognising creators though. Lots to think about there.