Look at the judges' scores in each round. Busak gave out way too many 20 scores. What was he thinking? Ditto for some of the other judges. They weren't separating the men. Reg Park and Brendan Ryan were mates of Arnold so how come they were judging? Goodness knows, but Arnold was friendly with most of the judges. Didn't Mits bring him out to Honolulu more than once to put on shows? I was there in 1969 when that happened. So Arnold was quite smart and got to know whoever might help him in his career.
When you look at the photos from the contest it is clear that a case can be made for several of the competitors to have won that day. Dickerson, Zane, Mentzer, Coe, Tinerino, Walker, Callendar, Padilla. Dickerson and Bannout went on to win a couple of years later. Mysteriously, Franco won in 81 when others felt Padilla or even Platz was the best. I haven't met anyone who felt Franco should have won. Well, except Franco!
What amazed me is how the IFBB retained the silly rounds judging system. Poor Ben believed it gave bodybuilding respectability and would help get it recognized by the Olympic committee. That was a pipe dream. The NABBA Universe evolved a better system where the competitors are placed and not given points. There are no scoring rounds except to choose finalists. Of course, I don't know what I am talking about and all such matters should be deferred to the much more expert and loopy Bob Chick, the appointed athlete's rep.