Yes, the BBB has lots of questionable practices. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Better_Business_Bureau They have switched to an A-F rating system, but they still reward members for paying the fees. Wolfgang Puck and the Ritz Carlton are both rated F because they refuse to pay, so I would take any rating of any company with a grain of salt.

"Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?"

I would think it depends on what one has to win or lose. If the 'gallery' is legitimate, an entry fee may not fit the current budget. If a win is the result, the quilts might become more valuable to sell. If it is not legit, an entry could cost money, and possibly the lose of the quilt(s). If anything is lost by the quilter, it would create more stress at a time that stress itself would compound.

Sometimes in life, the appealing fruit is not worth the risk. Speaking in general terms, I do not have the answer; therefore, I would not advise - just try to remind anyone that it's not a simple decision to apply to every situation.

I would try it - Do you know what the entry fee is?