............ but if a car is ALMOST ready for the leap of faith it takes to go to the next level, perhaps there could be a "check-mark" of sorts on the judging sheet to give that prospective candidate a chance to see how they WOULD have scored at the next level, while at the same time allowing for the lesser-level award (perhaps a transition-type judging sheet). It seems there should be a way to keep members content with the "problems found" while judging the car, while also encouraging them to "Step Up".
We've discussed many times.
Owners often have the option to ask and get a review, maybe have their car used for a seminar, host a judging "party" , take the car to an earlier show after arranging to meet a judge or two there to review the car or bring in a judge prior to the show so a list can be created. I know at least a few of us have approached and made the offer at local smaller shows before national take place to see if the people were planning on attending the national show and wanted to go over some areas in hopes to improve their possible scores.
Though not as complete plenty of people get their restoration reviews through email exchanges while a few have used forums such as this to accomplish the same. But this is no where as good as in person
In most cases any and all of these options is cheaper and take less time than transporting a car to a national show to get a first look at a new restoration or in hopes of improving an older one. At the same time nationally there are areas and members that believe that they can continue to shows their cars for almost endlessly putting little or no effort. Gold once - gold forever
Agree this is material for another thread if we want to expand on resources, ideas and the like.