I'm sure the VTR and TRA judges are as well-schooled as they can be. Being willing to put one's butt on the line as they do, and being open to criticism is not fun, I'm sure.
When I was at VTR in Rockford, with my '57 TR3 that I entered in Participants' Choice, I was told by one of the judges that I should have entered it in concours. Very knowledgeable guy, that. Not because he flattered me, but because he showed me where those who were in concours were "flawed" and mine was not.
Let's cut them a break!
Mickey