My guild just finished their quilt show this past weekend. It was the first time with this guild that I participated in the show. From the discussion on this thread I now understand the reason for the restrictions of quilts eligible and for the process in showing a quilt.
But I have to say that in looking at quilts in our show, I could sometimes see who the maker was by the design or quality of the work in the quilt.
In some respect, I think you will always have somewhat of a popularity contest in a quilt show be it a popular design, popular technique or embellishment, or popular fabrics. Just my opinion.