Fantastic foreground against that big black backdrop - that lone tree is the icing on the cake. Very strong shot for this challenge, IMO, and should not have scored so low.
Another one of your photos I find quite intriguing. I wouldn't be surprised if you ended up with your work hanging in a gallery one of these days. Then you can have the last laugh at these low scores.
I really like this. I think it needs a little more contrast. I would love to see it after you dodge some areas. The foreground needs the dodging and I would leave the top half the same. imo. Strong 8