I'd say that you got robbed by only getting 3rd place!
I went back and looked at pictures of the model that you used. I would recommend cutting off some of the bottom front, then rounding the bottom part of the front while curving the sides of the bottom. Then push the front section out more using the top area of your mech as the fulcrum. Should be able to bend more because of the rubbermaid trashcan qualities. Then add another front smaller rounded section below that just like the picture. Right now, the shape of the front and the fact that it is just one piece right now that plunges sort of straight down looks a bit off. You need more of a sectioned appearance and more of an angled front. If you are afraid, by doing this, that people will see more of the person inside the mech, then just add more trashcan plastic to the sides to cover up. Its just too straight up and down right now but man, this is another GEM!!
Paul D.