Great topic T, here's how I see things :evil:
I am trying to enter as many competitions as I possibly can. Yes, I love to win. No secrets there. I do believe there is no other better way to learn where you are in any domain than to compete. It is when I see where others are, that allows me to get a dimension of where I am. Plus the socialising side of it, shaking hands with some good people, all that counts.
I think there is a tangible difference in knowing where you are vs. thinking you are the best, nothing can be improved once you've won the Best of Show, for example. I never sleep on my laurels, but rather go back home with new ideas, things that I should do, and, equally, things I shouldn't do.
I am also trying to judge as much as I can, when allowed to. I have presented my opinions in discussions with organisers, chief judges etc. Multiple Pandora's boxes here ... My point of view is that audacity should be rewarded, not punished, and I will always score an extremely complex / bold subject, with minute imperfections, make that VERY minute, like a speck of dust, or the faintest brush mark ever seen, higher than a perfectly built, flawless yet boring, no "life" coming out of it, uninspiring and dull, Tiger tank, invariably present in large numbers on the table.
Love it or hate it, when I saw palmtree leaves made of green feathers winning the category and nearly becoming "Best of Show", I said "thanks for having me here" and I never returned to that particular competition.
Laurence