I know for the big money shows the judges expect perfection in workmanship so the quilt that wins the Best in Show is judged for being innovative and having some element of different technique. If you ever see the top show quilts at Paducah, Houston, etc. you know each one is made perfectly so the judges have to base the decision on something other then skill. The Japanese quilters blow my mind, their quilts are absolutely the most intricate perfectly sewn quilts I have ever seen but they are all perfect, no new technique or innovation so they don't win top prize.