"I feel happy with it, but mainly because there isn't an alternative."

But there IS an alternative.

Here are some obvious improvements:

A panel from which people with vested interests are excluded.

A panel which has a balanced UK-wide distribution (hell, anyone can drive to London for a gig)

A 'suggestions' list based on something open and sensible - such as BBC airplay (all stations)

Publication of the 'suggestions' list - together with a description of how it's made up.

Publication of ALL the nominations, and the votes for each.

A MUCH bigger panel

Dropping the panel and using a 'chart' system based on radio plays, or record sales or something else.

Dropping the panel system and going for a public vote.

Having a public vote on the panel's nominations.

Lots of other ideas I haven't thought of yet but I will!

For heaven's sake - it's an Awards show. How hard can it be to make it good?!