I can't speak for anyone else, but the prize table is relatively unimportant to me. I look for matches with interesting stages, high round counts, the chance to test my skills, and the chance to see some top shooters go at it. I'm a pretty mediocre shooter, so maybe that's part of it.
I started too late in life to ever be at the top, though I have to say that even the average shooters I saw at this match were so far above the average shooter in terms of accuracy, speed, and manual of arms that it is amazing.
My match goals are:
1. Not to injure myself or anyone else.
2. Not to get DQed.
3. Not to finish last.
I achieved my three goals.