A "professional" judge usually has the option of not awarding a ribbon if the workmanship doesn't get enough positive checks. A part of the reason is that it is their reputation for recognizing only quality workmanship-they have a criteria to follow. I'm not necessarily agreeing with not awarding all ribbons in every category, just trying to clarify the reason. :) BTW, I am not a judge so there might be other reasons--I just work with my guild for our quilt show and have talked with the judges we have invited.