I can't actually believe I am backing Dick against Jim and others, but it appears I am in this case. What you are saying here is because one competition organisation is naff all competitions are naff. That is not necessarily the case. They are not my cup of tea as already stated, but some people get a lot of pleasure from being in a competitive environment. It gives them an extra buzz, and they are perfectly entitled to this, and are not lesser human beings because of it. Competitions can also engender interest where that interest would not normally be forthcoming.

As I said earlier, if it's not your cup of tea, ignore it. Nobody is forcing anyone to take part, or saying this is the only way to approach music. Live and let live!