I wasn't sure what category to put this topic in, so forgive me if it's out of place.
For a national-level match, do most competitors go with the honest expectation of winning their class or division? I have heard at least one MA class shooter say they decided to skip IDPA Nationals this year because they "don't really have a chance to win". Is this common, and/or are there other reasons to attend a big match?
I shot my first Nationals this past weekend. I made a few mistakes, but even if I'd shot to the very best of my ability I still likely wouldn't have made it into the top 1/3 in my class. The experience was both awesome and humbling to get out of my "little pond" and pit myself against the best.
Thoughts?