If everyone reads the stories as they are published (or perhaps catches up with them each weekend) 11,000 words becomes much more manageable. However if everyone waits until the end before reading the stories there is no time to discuss them properly, so instead of being an opportunity to get reactions to your work the challenge is reduced to the level of a popularity contest, which doesn’t really help anyone - other than getting writers acclimatised to rejection!That is 11,000 words to get through.
Also human nature (and I see the irony of this). Don't underestimate how totally demotivating it is to give it your best shot and yet see you have zero votes on your story while others are romping up. ( not me btw, but I have been there ).
Like I said, it seems a bit sad. Early voting followed by robust discussions would be nicer…