I took part in one of these events about a year ago on CND. Another factor in this event is that you have no idea whatsoever what the other participants are looting. You cannot see any globals. I guess the idea is that if someone gets a big global, others may quit the event. I wasn't really all that concerned as I was in 35th or so place by the time it was done, and contributed maybe 75ped total.
I wouldn't want to be in 2nd though in an event like this
From what I remember, the winner got somewhere between 4k and 5k ped.