I always come home from quilt shows, especially the very large, juried shows, motivated beyond belief. There is nothing that restores my drive, creativity, enthusiasm and desire to excel more than seeing top of the line quilts 'up close and personal'.
I don't compare my work to anyone else's, but I do compare it to my own goals. Quilt shows raise my goals and keep me growing as a quilter. For me, that's what it's all about.