"Mike the Strike" wrote

If you want to fly cross-country, you are already entering a race
against the sun and the weather. To fly far and fast, you have to do
it efficiently. You can only discover how efficient you are by flying
with other folks and a contest offers a great opportunity to test and
hone your skills.

If you just want to twirlybird and don't care about developing
thermalling or cross-country skills, don't go to contests.

At the risk of being mean, you sound very much like one who puts down those
that don't join in on contests.

If you think not, re-read your post.
--
Jim in NC