Judging requires standards, otherwise it quickly devolves into popularity contests or undocumented or undocumentable opinions. And yes some folks take a sense of pride in “knowing” more than others, sometimes voicing opinions tactlessly.
But there is a place for the standards, and for restoring cars. that standard is factory issue (or should be). That is where I found value in this club, the kind instruction on mechanical and aesthetic particulars really helped when I got mine and was curious. And I want to know what is correct. Sometimes and for various reasons, economic, part availability or scarcity, reliability, personal preference I will knowingly depart. And again, there is value in knowing from what I am departing. So thanks to those who have been in the trenches with this information and willingness to share.
I go to few shows where there is judging, doesn’t matter to me, but it does bring some cars out that would otherwise remain in garage. And on that subject, there is a lot of interest in original (or long used but unrestored) cars evidencing their patina (like I do). Perhaps merely a grouping or recognition of this class of car will engender some interest.