Well said.
The thing about EVERY IPSC shooter is that he/she has the guts to go lay it on the line in a public forum where each person is graded by an objective standard. As a result, the shooter improves his skills and, very likely, his mental/emotional fortitude.
Many "shooters," tactical guys, and many LE (no offense to the many superb LE IPSC shooters), simply don't have the guts to get graded and get their butts kicked.
This sport is like all others: play above your head with people who are better than you and you WILL improve your skills. Everyone gets their ass kicked from time to time - the important thing is how you react to that experience.
Do you quit or stop competing after getting smashed? The IPSC shooter simply learns from the experience and moves on to improve his skills - and then comes back for more at the next match!