First off, I too have enormous respect for what KCBS has done, and I think we have the best Reps, hands down. (Red Sox fan mod)
If it weren't for KCBS, we wouldn't even be having this discussion.
I think one answer to "Why KCBS?", is because, even with all this grumbling and ugliness , they know how to run a BBQ contest correctly, at the contest level.
The general guidelines and rules of KCBS contests are basically fair and easy to follow. This, and the competition factor, (I can beat these guys...) is what draws people in, and once you're bit, you know, there's no going back.
That is why I said "at the contest level". The other political crap is just that, political crap. If you don't like it (AND you are actually a KCBS member)... vote.
...well.. vote next year... but vote.
If you were to get an FBA contest going I'd be there in a heartbeat Sled. I enjoy diversity in my BBQ Associations. :> FBA has some different rules and regs that I find challenging, and I would LOVE to try my hand at it. It was a blast in Douglas GA, and Kell has still another, completely different set of rules.
I can't seem to schedule a good time to get lunchmeat down there, but maybe you can get some of them to come up here. It sure is HOT down there in the summertime.
good thread... ya trouble maker ... heheh