Yeah, those contests clearly favor those who can set aside everything in their life for a couple days and those who can build fast. Being a father of 3 with a full time job, I'm not either of those.
Which is why I was voted out in the 5th round in Survivor and why I'm not in the Road Rally finals.
You certainly are right on the time-thing, but lucky enough there are also prizes to win for parks with no time deadline, and contests to do that give more time. (
With 3 kids and a full time job I find it remarkable that you can find the time to build anyway!! In that case 5th round for survivor seems quite an achievement I think!