There is so much you say in this response that I'm not sure where to start.

I grew up in a world where there was no such thing as every experience being a learning experience. This is some sort of philosophy or ideology that came on stage around the mid 90s. Or perhaps the early 90s. it certainly wasn't around in the 50s or 60s.

I entered my first writing competition in 1970, shortly after matriculating. I came first. I am not aware of learning anything. I submitted my first piece for publication in 1962 or 1963. Not sure. I didn't learn anythiing. I suppose, to be honest, I just accept things. I dont' ponder if these is any reason for them happening. (And that wsa too my detriment until I realized I was supposed to connect things - in about 2006). Call me autistic. I am.

I genuinely do not believe tha entering a competition should be seen as an opportunity to learn and grow. That might be true for a class one is taking, but not for entering a competition. When one enters a competiion, the sole purpose is to win, or at least, gain credibility (I think I'm making a liar of myself here - I entered in order to face the debilitating fear of exposing myself).

Why would people who have been in the game longer than you give you feedback on your entry. I'm missing something else. There are generally thousands or tens of thousands of entries in any competition. Nobody gives you feedback.

Yes, you're correct. It is a remote chance of winning (which is why I never enter competitions or gamble). Howver, I also realized there was something else at play for me personally. So maybe people enter competitions for different reasons. I also thought that entries would get greater readership. They didn't.

I think the only thing to be learnt from entering a competition is that it's a waste of time! :)