Played 8-9...neither GM pulled any punches. We advanced and ultimately tied for first at our tier.
Also...for what it's worth, there was a husband and wife duo at our table and the rest of us didn't know each other. We met at the marshalling area, and I was playing an iconic.
The round simply required goal-oriented roleplaying and some combat/puzzle skills, not to mention some small amount of luck.
Good round. Two good judges. A good time and great memories.