After reading all this, I have learned at least one thing. Beer judging is like judging art, where some people will pay millions for a Picasso original, others wouldn't give 50 cents for a print of same painting. I have seen it on here many times, "if YOU like your beer, it doesn't matter what others say. "
Though I understand if you make 20 different beers a year, having someone let you know if you're on the right track can be helpful. I started brewing to make a beer for myself that I can't find locally,. I have my 2 recipes that fit my taste, and that is good enough for me. I have no interest in being able to brew every beer, just a couple very well.