Of course everyone is right about how stupid the concept of a music competition is. In my experience, though, contests run by festivals are nothing at all like beauty contests. They bring a very diverse group of performers to a new audience. The songwriters get to see what others are doing and the interactions among them have a longer lasting effect than whatever prize the winner gets. It would be nice if this kind of gathering could happen spontaneously but sometimes a catalyst is needed. Music competitions are useful and harmless.