Despite travel funds, many women are simply unable to pay title-related expenses. Finally, the women's community at large hasn't gravitated to contests as major social events. Rather, private play parties are what draw large numbers of women. Here the focus is on real play, not stage performance. On the positive side, many women said they enjoyed contests for their simple entertainment value.
Contests are often cheaper to attend than play parties and allow for more socializing and flirting.
Several people also mentioned that contests provided a much-needed corrective to the social stigma that they, as dykes, face for their looks and lifestyles. While these are all valid points, I'm not convinced that contests best meet these needs. Sure, we all need good, wholesome, perverted entertainment. And again, let's see people acknowledged for their hard work and commitment to worthy causes rather than their perky buns or their fabulous leather wardrobe. As for titleholders, let's focus on community-building based more on substance and less on show.