well, i've always been under the assumption that the best stuff wins the prizes..not to be flipent[sp?]
as for the host club members, some, no, a LOT of club members [everywhere] don't go out of town to shows...they may only go to 1-2 contest/swaps LOCALLY, why deny them the chance for some gold?? that is what i don't get...
i agree that you judge the class/s that you aren't competing in, totally understand... i will say, as ex dual term prez, my model club judged the models not the entrants and may the best MODEL win...