I maybe out of line to contribute to this discussion, as I have not competed yet. I am planning on attending the Kettering comp with Curt as a helper to see if it is something I may be interested in. However, I can tell you that being part of the Pretty Good Barbecue at our local church was one of the most fantastic events I have ever been a part of, for many reasons I won't bore you with. As well, my whole family was involved, we had Brethren from all over there, and we all had a great time, without the hassle of competition. We did have a mini-comp, but it was more for fun than anything else.
As well, I usually smoke something once or twice a week, and I usually will make 4-5 times what our family will eat. I have a stack of styrofoam boxes in the garage, and after dinner, I will float some around to the neighbors just to surprise them. Brings me a great amount of joy, and doesn't cost much at all.
I guess if you still have passion for cooking maybe there are other ways to use your talent if the comp scene is too much hassle.
I personally think it would be cool if the Brethren site had someone plan out 6-8 events each year at various strategic places in the US, with a very informal contest system and minimal associated costs. I know we do Bash's every once in awhile, but if it was planned out at the beginning of the year like a comp calendar, everyone would have time to plan for it and it would add a little structure to the process. That would give us all an excuse and a place to get together, with some small amount of competition involved. Think Bash combined with very loose KCBS judging. Maybe a Brethren Comp Commitee 6-8 geographic areas setup a bash/comp that could happen each year. Eventually the events would grow and be KCBS sanctioned and we would be right back to comps again!
Oh well, it was just an idea....
Good luck with your decision, but don't stop the sweet blue. Maybe just use it in another way....
