How many people entered last year that it took over an hour to judge? Unless there were 30 entries, it really shouldn't have taken an hour. When I judged for KCBS, you took one bite scored and moved on to the next one. Afterwards, if you wanted to you could finish stuff off, but one and done.
As far as teams, sounds interesting, though as the (ahem) 2017 Champion, I really think I got lucky more than skill. I have my method, and happy to share it, but don't know that I'm a captain per ce.
I'm fine with either format. I can team up or fly solo.
Yes should go quickly on judging, but it doesn't. Every year it takes wwwwaaaaayyyyyy to long! I was a judge the year you won and I remember people taking too long and it being more social gathering than, let's get this done so everyone else can eat.
Last year was 12 or 13 entries.
I too am fine with either way. I had talked with Doug about it as a suggestion to maybe help some that are not sure about the process or are intimidated and is a way to help ease the nerves. I know my first year I was extremely nervous to cook for the gathering. I ended up holding my own within the 3 comps they would do. Darn cake! But I cook for a living and was nervous. I have heard others over the years express not entering because of that.
So whatever the majority wants to do I am good with.
Just need to figure out what crazy thing I'll do for sides this year......