First of all, Congratulations to Ronnie Coleman for capturing and equaling Lee Haney's 8 straight Mr. Olympia titles.
Bodybuilding is an extremely subjective and hard to judge sport. Every judge needs to observe and score each body part according to the primary three points: symmetry, condition, and muscularity/size. Then, based on the sum of points, a winner is selected. This, of course, isn't always the case. Sometimes judges are affected by the popularity of a competitor. Other times, a judge may let a competitors past contest results affect their decision. For whatever reason, some judges dont stick to the guidelines, and it hurts the sport.
I have only seen Ronnie Coleman in magazines and in the video
Ronnie Coleman: The Unbelievable in which he looks incredible. There's no way you can deny he is the biggest competitor of on stage, he is truly inspiring. That being said, I believe his aesthetics have lagged in comparison to the amazing amount of new muscle he packs on yearly. Remember, size isn't the be-all end-all of bodybuilding, competitors need to have "the total package", which is the three points I mentioned earlier plus aesthetics. The bodybuilder must posses "classic lines", as stated by the IFBB guidelines. Yet, since the early 90's, the decisions have been going more for mass/muscularity/size instead of aesthetics and/or "total package".
Just take a look at the top pro bodybuilders and you'll probably have a hard time picking a hand full which have it all. Dexter Jackson and Chris Cormier are fine examples of having the total package.
I find it funny that the IFBB put out some memo to everyone stating how this year aesthetics was going to be at the top of the judging list. But, come October 14-16, we get pretty much the same results we've been getting since 2001. Hopefully, the memo will start getting some serious attention because it will really help the sport.
NOTE: I understand it is MUCH easier to say this then it is to DO it. All I have is respect for bodybuilders and love for bodybuilding. I say what I think will help improve the most under-appreciated sport.