Sometimes, you can tell who understands the hobby, and who doesn't. When people are cruising the display, or contest tables, if they try to pick up or touch a model, in my opinion, they do NOT understand the hobby. I've seen small children following parents around with their hands behind their backs. Those kids understand the hobby, in my way of thinking!
Of all the NNL shows I've been to, I've only heard of, or seen one incident, and that was when a builder placed very highly with an extremely nice model, only to not be able to find it when it was time to pack up and go home.
That was a shame!!
I have always enjoyed the concept of NNL, and appreciate all the hard work the people have put into each and every show, no matter where they take place.