I think what drives all of us in pattern is the excitement of the competition!! Newbies to a certain extent must naturally become excited about competing and the nudging of a mentor always helps. Not sure why a pattern contest does not make money for a club. I assisted with the first ever pattern contest in Mesa Az back in 2012 and we put almost $600 in the clubs piggy bank with 20 pilots attending. The club did absolutely nothing except grant us use of the field for the weekend.