I'm sorry, but placing 1st or last is just a matter of coincidence, reputation, and the judges mood. i placed 1st in two of the four shows i've competed in, and i look mediocre at best, probably below average even.
Some people get 1st place as a gift because they competed for 10 years in a row always placing 3rd, 5th, 4th... finally they had a reputation for being a great bodybuilder and won their show without any improvements.
From Dusty's posts, i understand that he isn't expecting to turn pro, but is working as hard as if his life depended on turning pro right now. and that's called work ethic and being the best at what you do. Dusty never brags or runs his mouth like people who say "i eat 2 metric tons of protein everyday and i've been known to bench the continent of Africa", just to turn out to be a mediocre pro with a big head.
Dusty, I envy you for being the hard worker that you are. in the end, it will pay off in many aspects of life. I don't know what your business is, but if it has to do with owning a gym and personal training, you will be known as the hard worker who knows what he's doing. and that will boost your business 10 fold.
"you don't have the genetics", "you must be crazy if you think you're gonna turn pro"... you will hear these things a lot... but it sure beats the shit outta what's being said about micheal lockett, flex wheeler, paul dillet... etc
"they're lazy and they don't know what they're doing... they just coast on their genetics... hell, if i was born with his genetics, i'd look even better... who the hell gets cut on twizzlers and pepsi?"
you see what i'm saying here?
Einstein said that Genius is 1% being smart, and 99% hard work...
I say that a bodybuilder who should be admired is that who built his physique with 1% genetics, and 99% hard work. and you fit that description.
Good luck with your prep... and good luck with your contest. I don't care if you go pro or not (hell, if you go pro and you pursue that, it'll probably ruin your life since you have a business that's doing well), you're still one of the top bodybuilders in my book.