I think Zenith/Err are looking for alternatives to giving out unique items. Another possible choose could be a automatic rank/rating increase in their skill/career.
I'd take stat levels like Endurence over a unique item for the most part. I think it depends on the contest...if its a random contest, stat increases. The bigger contests (xmas contest and such) should get a unique item imo
Didn't she used to give health increases? Why not AP/EP increases that don't kill the run of the game?