I don't think there was a conspiracy at the Masters regarding Rusty, but that each judge individually decided they had to score him low because of his Carl Hardwick past. They couldn't be seen as voting for a gay icon. But the judges really underestimated the fans' reactions, especially on the InnerTubes.
But what is it that made Rusty persona non grata? The judges know all about the people on stage. They know which pros are gay, which pros are doing prostitution. They know who's done the J/O videos. It doesn't seem to affect those bodybuilder's placings.
Rusty's crime was that he is a celebrity. While he is straight, he is very well known in the gay community. He's Jim French's Colt Magazine's most famous model. Most every gay guy over 30 knows who Carl Hardwick is. If they don't know the name, they'd certainly recognize a pic of him. The judges were afraid of the headline "Carl Hardwick wins IFBB Masters".
But because of the reaction of the fans to his 8th place finish it will be harder (but not impossible) for the judges to do it again. It's up to the audience at the Ironman to make sure it doesn't.