I am certain you have friends that have much knowledge. When you are working on your car take the time to ask a person who you feel has much knowledge and get their opinion and observations. Not everything you hear will be useful but more eyes may help. Part of what we do is of course to judge the show but the other part is to work with the exhibitors to help them improve their vehicles. You should always ask as to where you can improve.
Creativity is also a factor.
Well kind of like this. Let's say there are two cars that are very close in detail and the amount of work done. Let's say they both have custom paint with graphics. Assuming the amount of work in the graphic is similiar the one with the buried graphic would come out on top. To bury a graphic taked many coats of clear with precise sanding at each step.