yes, guest, that is true, the down side is that some children get put off by the competitive nature, the competitive element can also be seen in attitudes to other musicians, some musicians regard other musicians as competitors, rather than people with whom they might enjoy sharing a tune and having a bit of craic with.
it is arguable whether Comhaltas competitions are a living tradition, there are so many rules about what you cannot do, that it is in my opinion more like an encouragement to play in one particular style,an attempt to make one style dominant, many local styles will not get beyond the regional competitions,in my opinion comhaltas encourage musicians to play in one style, the comhaltas style is not a living evolving tradition,you win a competition if you play in a pescribed style, a style that is approved by comhaltas
you are absolutely right,the comhaltas fleadhs do attract many musicians,but then so does willie clancy week, which is non competitive