The biggest issue with this one is its unrepeatable... it's a one time deal.
They executed the advertising opportunity, now they have nothing. The other two, issues with their business practices aside, have set up businesses that could continue to operate, grow and scale.
To me that deserves more recognition than a flash-in-the-pan idea.
But that wasn't what they were asked to do. They weren't asked to develop the best sustainable business model with 2 hours and $5, they were asked to come back with the most money.
They executed the advertising opportunity, now they have nothing. The other two, issues with their business practices aside, have set up businesses that could continue to operate, grow and scale.
To me that deserves more recognition than a flash-in-the-pan idea.