Just wanted to jump in here with a little story of my own regarding contests....
Back in 1988 I entered an IPMS Regional (the region and hosting chapter will remain nameless, not out of courtesy, but because I don't think they deserve the publicity). I was entered primarily in armor and diorama catagories. Usually I have no problem with judges, however on this occasion almost the entire staff of judges was from the host chapter; at best, problematic because they would all know each other's work, and at worst, since they were primarily aircraft builders, most would be judging in categories which they knew little about. Without going into much detail, some of their judgements (a term I use loosely at best) were laughable. As an example, in the figure category, they eliminated, right off the top, all figures which were painted with shading and highlighting. The only figures they judged were those painted in solid colors, with no modeling whatsoever. OK all you figure painters, what's wrong with this picture? Apparently they expected figures to be painted like airplanes. But here's the climax (and I am trying not to sound sour grapes here): I got a second place trophy, for a diorama which won Popular Best-in-Show I might add, because the Jerrycans on the armored vehicle had visible seams. GERMAN Jerrycans. Hello? Anyone getting a clue here?
Now you might understand why I don't compete anymore...
Ne cede malis (Latin: Yield not to misfortune)