Well they didn't judge any city by poems or something like that. They compared the job-markets, free-time-activity-offers, health system, etc. Nothing that can be seen from diffrent views. Well it could be they never stepped a food in it or city they prefer are ranked higher but I doubt that this is as useless as you think it is. Also this depends on the district you live in, some are just shit others are only for millionairs
When do you think people die?
When they are shot through the heart by the bullet of a pistol?
No.
When they are ravaged by an incurable disease?
No.
When they drink a soup made from a poisonous mushroom?
No!
It's when... they are forgotten.
~Dr. Hiluluk - One Piece