I think contests are great fun. They have a special feel about them.
The problem comes in a couple of ways.
There are not enough contests close to 99% of the fliers who would like to try it. It may be great fun to head out of town for a big weekend, but most do not want to spend $400-600 a weekend and to drive 4 hours for 4 flights. At least not starting out. You live in a contest zone, you have it easy.
My thoughts also.
Where I live the closest contest to me is 4 hours away. Next closest is 5 hours. Most if not all contests are two day events which necessitate AT LEAST one nights stay in a motel and two nights would be better. That means maybe even having to lose a partial days work for travel. If somehow there could be one day contests closer it would be helpful. Maybe have one dayers that only run one or two classes so flying is maximized for the participants??? Of course this means having clubs on board willing to give up a day or two during the flying season. That IMO will be the largest obstacle. Maybe if the NSRCA were to contact some clubs that were "hours" away from a contest requesting they host an event even if the club had no or only one or two that have pattern interest. That in itself might spur some interest from locals to participate????? There is no easy answer to any of this.
Ken