AotM has definitely been a popularity contest... (Which is why I'm still really surprised that I ever got it, hahaha) But I, at least, think it's more about the art now. The community is smaller and many of the "popular" artists are older and more mature. It's not like it was in its hayday - those times when AotM was a reeally big deal and if the "wrong" artist got it, mobs genuinely would rally against them... And I'm glad that at least that has changed :'D
Aww, that's so sweet I hope it'll come to keep you company again!
Awesome!
Also, Azzy, I love that feeling of coming home after being away, to just be able to breathe again is great, haha