I think the majority of WATS awards are based of consitent posting quality and not a one time WATS post that propels you to the top of the voting.
Its truly a mystery process.
I never knew mine was coming. Even if you win you dont know whether you won out of sheer number of times you put your face out, posting quality, or
popularity.
When I won mine I was working day and night on the Syrian Iraq WMD deal thread and some other part time work in War on Terror so I know where my
supporters came from.
Generally poll the winners on their favorite thread the month they won WATS and you might find the gems you seek.