>>358217014
Pretty much. Although I wouldn't phrase it as "hanging out". They were meant to be used actively for a very short amount of time as voting booths. The idea was the main part of the competition would only last a dozen minutes or so. Anyone that wanted to judge would find an open booth and the the contestants would try to visit as many judges as possible before the time was up and results were announced. Candy slappers were just flair and an alternative for voting through the list. They were literal last minute additions though and consequently pretty scuffy.

Which that wasn't the only way it was able to be ran either. I believe EU did something more laid back with the announcer going from participant to participant with everyone else using the hand menu to vote.
NA hosts reclined and did neither since "no one wants to do an avatar competition". Which just sounds like low energy cope to me.
Was it all autistic? Very much absolutely. But as with all properly autistic things it can work when approached with the right energy. 

Not sure what the best sequel to this will be. Lots of potential with the core tech being developed. I think a more refined and tested version would work well. Just add automated systems for the queuing and timing, and an overall map layout that makes more sense. It could of course also be adapted into an entirely different format as well. There's plenty of time to brainstorm now.