I really, really, really loved the Graphic of the Week thing you had going.
Switching the SotW with that would be awesome, as it wouldn't be a comp, but a way to teach people how to do stuff.
My idea for a second try at GotW:
As you are in the graphic business, I think you should make a thread with a veeeeery simplified version of a logo request you could get. Kind of like the cup of tea, but a little more in depth (modern? Lot's of cafés or just one? traditional logo? etc etc). People PM you what they enter and after a week, you make a thread with the results, without a poll, and post what you think about all of them, as you are in the business and know what companies want.
Then, people can comment on the logo's, ask people how they made them, give tips, etc.
Everyone learns, no-one is afraid of entering, there is no entry limit which makes people rush to be in the first 10, and those who are willing to go into this business learn how logo's should be made. You could also have flyers, banners, and posters.