Interesting question. My category has some mighty good shooters in it and the only way I place near the top is when I'm at a
local match and they're off at a bigger match somewhere.
Did manage to come in ahead of one guy once who had a passel of gun trouble. Went up to him afterwards and told him I always
wanted to beat him - but not that way. Same situation with another fellow who I aspired to best who has some health issues and has slowed down considerably.
Several years ago I bought a buckle and had these words inscribed on it - "I bought this buckle".
That said - I've gotten some certificates, but I'm more interested in how I placed in my category and overall than if I get an award or not.
I will always remember my first "clean shoot".
I don't know the answer - like you I keep coming back for a number of reasons - trying to better myself, trying to outdo the
good shooters, watching them to see what they're doing that I'm not - but most of all getting and giving some BS, hearing the
steel ring and being with a great bunch of people.
So, I guess my input is that it is nice to be recognized, but in my head and heart I know how I got there and if it wasn't head to head, toe to toe, all things equal and no hiccups - I still didn't "win".