IMO, CHRONICLE OF A DEATH FORETOLD was a better show than either V/V or BIG. Willa KIm deserved a nom. York showed talent, which was misused by her director, but I'd still probably have nominated her. As usually happens, the better productions (Rent, Bring in Da Noise, King & I) got most of the nominations even in categories where they're less deserving.
Pethian, it's interesting that you go back four decades ago for an example of the difference between LA and NYC reviews, using a show that I remember getting a generally downbeat response from critics and audiences in both cities.