Hmm, the quilt show was not too well organised. You are certainly right that quilts on show should not be handled and should be dry.
The Black Beauty quilt must have made up for all the disappointment as it is fabulous and even if his sex and disability were not mentioned, it is still a fabulour quilt and should have won a prize.
I congratulate you on taking a stand and speaking out. It is not easy to do that. Quilters everywhere should stand up and applaud you.