This netflix contest is a real sucker bet.

Smart for netflix if anyone takes the bait - they invest $0 and pay
only if they have a sure winner. Side benefit: they get a lot of
free publicty. The alternative would be to hire a team of PHDs,
wait two years, and maybe have something maybe not.

On the other hand, from the viewpoint of the contest entrants, you
invest as much time and effort as you wish, at your own expense, and
if you are the smartest or luckiest AND you are successful, you win.
Everyone else, not the smartest, luckiest, hardest working etc. You
get $0 for your effort.