I cannot speak for EFDSS but as a member of Comhaltas and a bit of a singer, I have competed and enjoyed it. I always treat it seriously and try my best based on what I consider to be what traditional singing should sound like - choice of song - style - etc. Based on what the judges write about my singing sometimes, - some of them do not agree wih what I sing, or the way I sing it. But some do. And there lies the the kernel of the situation. If you put all the judges in a room and got them to discuss and agree a set of standards re Irish traditional singing (English or Irish language), I doubt if they could do it.
However in simply competing - or better still, listening to competitions, one is in the company of singers or lovers of song and that is enough. One gets the opportunity to discuss the merits or otherwise of singers and songs and it is a great learning environment - in all sorts of ways. But as with music, competitions and competing is there simply to hone some skills. Far more important is to sing for enjoyment. Unfortunately I know musicians and singers who have been ruined by the need to compete and win and who have neglected to aquire the ability to gel with and join in music and/or singing sessions. I also think that all genuine singers are, by default, musicians. Some may not have the ability to translate what is in their head to their fingers. Of course also all genuine musicians are also singers. Some may not have the ability to translate what is in their head to their voicebox.