Aside from the probable, extreme quality loss, West's "1800's American West" theme has barely enough to stand on, even in its current condition. Could you honestly imagine how something like this would turn out: no-filter uploads? All of these kids running around with "GFX Artist" in their statuses are bound to put you in the grave.
I'm all for free-market and individual dominance; bragging rights to the people who want to work hard enough to earn it... but you- bottom line- can't afford to have this waste what little quality you have going for you.
Besides... they've got their public-submission holiday events..... and gang hat uploads <--- which good quality is sought after.
+Two additional notes:
1. In the end, it would turn out like anything in life- the best would be brought to the forefront, and the worst thrown in the closet to collect dust. West would end up with a huge underlining scum trail of poorly-GFX'd hats while gaining only a few decent ones.
2. If the community is this worried over new hats, they're obviously bored. Get everyone to go out and base; try that "top monthly basing gang item" I suggested..... or just go play a better game.