1) Excision was introduced when I played Nabburak, a year before Cabdru.
But in that time it sucked. 3 rounds lag and high failure rate.
During Cabdru reign excision was much better, as good as zap and even better, because you don't need to hold a wand.
I can't say when exactly that was done though.

2) Fire giants inventory got increased shortly before Cabdru. Greddarh did notice that too.
From PBF:
Nabburak: Carry # 28/29
Cabdru: Carry # 11/36

3) Other rewards might be also nice. That one time. (To cover shady things?). Compare that with rewards for the first place in other role contests.
After all, it was just a honorable mention. You expect to get a title or +1 prac, and woops here goes +1 int on fire AP.