You're off base its about signing up more people and bringing more attention to your program

I understand the basic point you're trying to make however I think you fail to realize that some of these programs take care of their larger affiliates no matter what. The contests and prizes are just an advertising expense to attract new affiliates. As has been discussed, its the same concept as sponsoring an industry party or skinning a board.

PussyCash for example not only gave out a Hummer that every affiliate could win (simple math says that if you had a large number of joins your % chance of winning is higher than an affiliate sending a join) but also gave out a seperate Hummer that only one of the top 10 affiliates could win. Not only that but each of the top 10 affiliates received $1k extra. On top of that,they take care of their higher producing affiliates every day of the year.

I only reference Pussycash as I work with them. Im sure other programs handle their larger affiliates in a similar manner.

perfect answer :thumbsup