Thanks Jacqi, for starting this thread - which has turned out to be one of the most interesting I've read lately. Lots of great thoughful contributions. Thanks Holice for giving us the Judge's side of the story.
I entered quilts in a show long ago, and I learned a lot from the judges' comments. I have not entered my quilts in shows since then - but mainly because I'm never organized enough in time. I've noticed that the BIG shows do have separate pro and amateur categories. This is less true of smaller shows. A well known previous BIG show winner took best of show at the Tucson quilt show a year or 2 ago, and I felt sort of cheated. I'm glad that the Tucson show is being noticed enough that major players are entering, but I wish they would make NEW quilts to enter instead of recycling ones that have already won a prize! I'm not a member of the local guild, so I don't know if they have changed the rules - this year's winners did not appear to have won previous shows.
I agree with all who have pointed out that it's the RULES that are 'at fault' not the quilters - for the most part. Of course, a few people may choose to bend the rules, and that's sad.
So, I'll continue to enjoy myself at quilt shows, often wondering why THIS quilt or THAT quilt won when another that appeals more to me didn't. The best of show winners usually take my breath away!