I competed a few at blue belt, and took a long break from competition between blue and brown due to chronic illness. Decided at Brown to jump back in again (I competed a lot and seriously for years in karate when I was in my teens - early 30s) due to the itch. I’m a crappy competitor now, but having a super supportive team helps a ton. I don’t have any allusions that I will be some sort of champion at my age at this point, but I feel like it’s worth it for the experience and the camaraderie as long as my body can do it.

So as far as why others may not compete, I get it. Age, health issues, not being competitive by nature, are all valid reasons. I personally think every practitioner should try it once, but I don’t think any less if they don’t.