As much as I like this piece, I also know that I liked it a lot the last time it was entered.
Although we've occasionally managed to admit pre-existing art into the challenges, it was unintentional, as we do ask that the art for each challenge be created for this specific challenge, and not be an existing one that fits the current criteria. I don't know of any admissions that have been entered in previous challenges, tweaked or not. If I hadn't known this piece already, and no mention had been made of its pre-existence, it probably would've gotten in, but neither is the case. None of that diminishes the fact that it's a great piece, but I'm afraid, especially now that the forum FAQ explicitly documents the "new art" requirement, that I can't include it in the poll.
Sorry, The Lensman. We haven't seen you around here quite as much; I hope this won't keep you off the forum.