Correct me if I am wrong somebody, but it seems to me that to enter a Quilt Show, it is required to have a 4inch sleeve.
Although I don't initially plan on entering the project in a show, I just always make sure I follow the rule... just in case my local shop sponsors a small show or my family begs me to enter the fair this year or someone really convinces me to enter one.
I have only entered 4-5 shows, all wallhangings (daughters were unwilling to risk damage of their bedquilts) and I've never read the rules for minatures.