Ten,
I would suggest that in the future, I would take it to the monthly judging (Cincinnati and Ann Arbor are both fairly close to you). At shows the entire group of judges don't see every plant, judges only focus on the class they were assigned for ribbon judging. As a result not every judge evaluates every plant to determine if it should be pulled. In some cases this results in worthy plants not being pulled due to a judging team that is less familiar with that genera, it being poorly displayed and lit in the exhibit (HAPPENS A LOT!!!), or generally is overlooked due to the sheer number of plants and time alloted for judging before the shows open. In a monthly judging every plant is looked at by every judge(at least at our center.
Additionally, it is unfortunate but Judges are human and don't have every single species in every genera memorized to know if it has a CBR or other awards. At the judging center we have the luxury of time to do some research (as we have our library of references available) on each of the plants presented if we are unfamiliar with them.
I know it isn't ideal, but the simple facts are that the shows are not the ideal place to get a new or uncommon plant judged.
There are several people from up your way who I am sure would be wiling to bring the plant to judging on its next bloom if you are unable to attend.
Darin
