That is a big question. In my life experance I find contest a waist of time and effort. They give short term gain that usually does not last. People not really interested jump on the contest to win something, then they leave later.
Success of the trail needs to be upto every member. If people join they should no the potential and should be promoting it to help themselves.
And our trail is I beleave in the top 10 of all trails on Hive ;)
!BBH