10/13 contests have a newcomer placing in the top 20. (Only the groups led by Seymour, Setzer, and Ultros failed to do so).
Even then, newer characters that have stumbled in their debuts have come on to be stronger in return appearances (Ultros jumped 50 spots over one contest, Zack jumped 40 over two, etc) The fact that it is such an old contest is the reason I think there needs to be a small chunk of new blood every year, it keeps things from stagnating.
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If you wake up at a different time, in a different place, could you wake up as a different person? [HERO'S PLUNGE]
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