At home ,i'd have to agree w\ you. In a comp you will not place w\o using a rub w\ some sweet and heat. Same w\ sauce. At home i'll serve sauce on the side for those that just have to use it. but in comps, it seems that if you don't sauce w\ the sweet an sticky you might as well just stay home.What are you going to be cooking ? I find it best to just keep it real simple. I think all of these fancy rubs have gotten out of hand. I like to taste the meat and the smoke not the rub...have a good one and good luck to you.
I am not sure. this is my first time so I am not familiar with what they look for.What do the locals prefer, in the area you will be competing?