Yes - there is a separate Hypotheticals Category. Usually attracts both interesting ideas and skillfully executed models - and can be fun if well attended.
Speaking from my experience as a National Judge, I key on the most obvious of the "Basics" (Seams, Glue, Gaps, Alignment, Fingerprints, Sloppy Putty Work, Paint Finishes & Unpainted Parts, Decaling Problems, etc) whenever I look at a model - judging or not. I'm highly critical - but not brutal. At least I don't think so - you'd have to ask Al LaFleche if that's true or not...
You will do well if you take a hard look at your entries - and not ask a buddy to look at it. A critical eye goes far in spotting an oddity that a judge will notice and wonder about.
You can't build a model that's going to satisify everyone's sense of style and taste - but you can build a model that's technically sound and well put together. That gets you noticed - which is what you want...
