i've been entering quilts in the fair for years- i always enjoy seeing all the creativity from the community- and even though the judges tend to be a bit (old-school) at our fair they try to make sure everyone wins something- a little recognition for the effort....i will admit- i have won best of show 4 times- for machine pieced/quilted quilts....i don't really think of that recognition as having anything to do with abilities- or the judges- the viewer's vote for that one---& it all boils down to how many members of my family/friends make it to the fair that year
i like to go to see it all- & i generally vote for someone elses--not my own-
you are right- don't take (fair judging) to heart- the fair is all in fun- if you want serious judging of your work enter a real quilt show- either one sponsored by your guild or one of the big regional/national ones.
the fair is for fun.