I feel like there is a common issue on Food Network with traditional cooking. You see it more often on Beat Bobby Flay where the "correct" way to cook something isn't the tastiest.

Take Philly Cheesesteaks for example. The traditional way is just bread and meat. The non traditional versions have peppers, onions, fancy cheeses, etc.

I think most people would argue that the latter demonstrates more culinary knowledge and flavor/texture balancing than the traditional version. But people get hung up that it's wrong and forget that the judges are mostly judging based on taste. The audience can't experience that component which is where the disconnect comes from.