I am not entering the contest -- so please do not acknowledge my response as participating -- but I did want to post something.
I am thankful for minimates because they (along with TBT!) brought me here, to all of you. I've said it for years, but it still holds true: this forum, this 'Verse, this MMMV is full of some of the kindest, most generous, most considerate human beings I've ever met (either online or IRL). If not for minimates, then I never would have found T, nor would he have ever directed me here after the ArtAsylum boards shut down. So, thank you, minimates; thank you, AA/DST; thank you, T; thank you to Zach & all the other wonderful people who have anything to do with minimates being created; and thank you, everyone here.