To be honest, I show because I want to win....I dont care about the trophy as long as I have bragging rights for the year for that show.
For me as a hobbyist the win will only prove that I have been keeping up with my skill to either maintain or make the fish better. Yeah, it's part ego, but hobbyist at some point have to start setting goals for their fish and with those goals it can only make a hobbyist better at their husbandary.
I would be a liar, if I said I show fish to help support a show and that's it. As hobbyist we want to show the public that come that this is what our hobby is about and that is beauty. I am sure some will say everyone has their own preference when it comes to beauty, but quality will always shine if the hobbyist has done his/her part. I am at a phase in my hobby that I will bring out the fish when it is ready and I am sure to win. It is comrodery amongst the best at show and to me it is skill against skill.
JMHO
Tony