Hierophant $ From what I understood - to enter, a person needs to provide a single number between 1 and 10,000 (both inclusive) before 30th September 23:59 GMT+1.
$ After the contest closes, you would repeatedly generate numbers in the above range (on random.org) until a number picked by someone on SA gets chosen. This is the winning number.
Precisely.
$ The winner would need to pick a file host from the list (or request another as per mutual agreement).
To request another it would have to be added to the list officially before the deadline, and the host must have been accepted by me in the first place. There are factors like the price-point and availability at the reseller. They have far from all in existence listed, and their assortment can vary greatly. I am only using serious ones I've been buying other accounts in the past. But I may also decline for other reasons too. Best to ask for other sites a couple of days (latest) before it ends.
$ You would then get the requested account and provide the details to the winner via PM.
I'm not really handing out any "account" because how it works is that I buy a Code that will only work for that particular Host. The winner will either use his/hers free account / expired account -OR- create a new one -OR- use an already premium account and extend its duration (if possible...). In a sense I am giving out a Premium Account Possibility but the user must register / own an account in the first place to even be able to activate it.
$ Is the account provided to the winner a shared account or is the winner the only user of the account?
The only user. I would have no idea about the e-mail attached to the account, no idea about the username, no idea about the activity. Simply see it as a Gift Card. If someone gives you an Amazon Gift Card they wouldn't know how you spend it right? It is literally the same thing here.
$ Can the user personalize the account i.e. change the password?
Since it is your account in the first place, you have full control of your PW's. 🙂
$ Are there any strings\ropes\chains attached? E.g. Does the winner need to review or perform some task before being able to claim or use the prize?
As soon as the code is sent through PM and activated your account is instantly Premium and ready to go. All you need to do is to test your luck here (= win) and activate your account within 48 hours - that's it!
That should kill all your doubts. It's okay to be "careful". Excellent post btw. 😛