I find all of the comments on this thread very interesting. I have entered lots of contests and the very same quilt will do well at one show and not get anything at another. But when I go back and look at the competition in the shows I agree with the judges more often then not. And I also think that when you get to the bigger, juried shows it is going to come down to what quilts have mastered the techniques they have used, originality, and then if they are all still equal, it is going to be the judges preference and every judge will have a different preference. I love having the judges comments as it has improved my quilting skills tremendously. And I have to say that I sew different when I know I am going to enter a quilt in a show. I am much more precise and particular about seams matching, etc. In fact I am my own worst critique!!! If I am going make a quilt to cover up to watch tv with or to give to my grandchildren, it doesn't matter if it is not "perfect" so I often don't take the extra time that it takes to sew to "show".
I love to show my quilts at shows too. It is so cool to see your quilt hanging at a show and to listen to the viewers comments and talk to you about your quilt. But quite honestly, it you are happy with your quilt, it really doesn't matter what everyone else thinks.