Those on the threshold of success might do well to remember that the time will come, again by necessity, when they must come face to face with some of these same losers on the way back down. For there comes a point in every breeder's endeavors when success can no longer continually top success and then there is only one direction in which to go. Very few, if any, have had the privilege of having their cake and eating it too. That is to say, no one breeder can continually enjoy success removed from the periphery of the disgruntled. Therefore, the time must come when a choice must be made.
Some breeders quit.
Perhaps they feel, and rightly so, that they have achieved all that can be achieved and are not content to settle for what would seem to them second best. Others go backwards and gradually fade away while others learn to compromise. Their accomplishments and abilities are recognized but they no longer hold a monopoly on success. As a result they hold some popularity amongst their fellows, are no longer the prime target for back biting and can enjoy their hobby without regarding each new situation as a personal challenge and no longer need to continually prove their dogs' values in the scheme of things. It's all very well and good for one to say that because their dogs are the subject of nasty remarks proves that they are good dogs.