Would a quilt expo generate more enthusiasm? Just a way for people to exhibit their quilts for the sheer joy of sharing them without pressure?
I think people have different needs. Some are competitive or need validation therefore they enter judged shows because they really want that blue ribbon. For others, being judged takes the joy out of quilting. As others have said, maybe a good balance would be to have a judged portion and an expo portion with the option of sale?