1. I disagree with the request to limit publication in cartridge form to maintain a free ROM available. That should be author's decision.
It's always been an important rule since the 1st edition and I don't think it will change : a digital version is a way to promote both the contest and an eventual release on cartridge that can be enhanced with additionnal levels for example.
People who want a contest with a game only available on cartridge for maximum 1 year can enter the #msxdev compo (another contest) at the beginnning of 2013 for example with at the same time the game on cartridge, and the digital release will only happen in the beginning of 2014.
For games only on cartridges for more than 1 year, the only way is the release outside a contest. However, is this realistic when the number of real machines' users decreases ? Maybe selling digital versions should be viewed as a solution (for a price that should be lower than the cartridge version).