As there is already a discussion about changing the rules a little bit to add an highscore feature I guess it could be a good time to suggest it.
Making the applet core code is always a subject of discussion every year. So how about a simple template like this that would do all the dirty job for you.
import java.awt.Graphics2D;
public class MyApplet extends J4kApplet{
public void init(){
}
public void update(int deltaTime){
}
public void render(Graphics2D g){
}
}
The programmer just have to fill these method and doesn’t have to worry about the gameloop, making input listener, etc. The J4kApplet would be a class host on the server and everyone could use it (just adding a ressource tag in the html page). The J4kApplet class wouldn’t count in the 4k limit.
Ok that was the idea. It kinda breaks the 4k rule but it give more freedom to do your game (with the extra bits).