I do agree that handlers do win sometime when they probably shouldn't/ The best way to handle that is keep a judges log, and don't give those judges an entry. That's what I have been doing for 29 yrs. I try to watch the ring at least a half hour before going in so I know what that judge wants and always try to write it in my log for the future.
I love BOWs, we are in the same division as you all and we have 3people who show regularly ( can count on ) and 3 that enter sometime. We havn't had a major here in more that 2 years that we havn't built. I was just giving AKC's point of view and ALL of you to agree that you have seen dogs get points that did NOT deserve them from a judge being nice.
In AKC like most every thing in life you need to pay your dues in the breed ring, than the group ring and the the Best in Show ring,
Anyone who is devoted and willing to learn and that has a deserving dog will finish that dog!
I have finished more than 100, had 8 invitations to the AKC/EUK ( won BOS & BBBE) and I have won at the National speciality and Westminster.
ALL my dogs are all bred by and Proud of it!
Sparkling Bly Yorkies