Boy, Andy you must have the day off
This is another good question. It is the fear of failure. It is the lack of viewing the show as a learning experience as well as a chance to show your best work in the hope of being recognized.
The competetiveness of American culture flows over to the art of Bonsai.
Why compete if you know you are not the best or even approaching the best? This is where your idea of exhibits comes in big time. Take the competition out and show your stuff for the fun of showing it and the pride of you have achieved.
Oh well happy new year.
Richard