Joe,
If we are looking to crown the guy 'THE BEST KOIKEEPER", then it will be unacceptable. However if as in all koi shows, we are bestowing the title to the best koi and in this case, we shud thank the chap who gave us the opportunity to see such a high quality koi. On this score, I am in complete agreement with Valarc
"If someone buys an extremely high end fish and brings it to a show and it wins a big award, maybe that person doesn't earn accolades for raising that fish - BUT they deserve LOTS of praise for risking all the money they spent on that koi, just to bring it out and share it with everyone. "
There are many koi keepers who are closet hobbyist and will not show their kois to anyone except their close friends. Heck their kois may well beat the GC but we will never know nor get to see them
.
About writing a cheque to Sakai and get a GC. " This is what Kentaro says" Sigh...Everyone of my top customer want to win the GC. I wish I can do that."
