Most people don’t really get what dog shows (conformation) are about. And most of what the media prints is written from a position of ignorance. But you are exactly right.
I’ll add to what you said by saying that once you get out of the breed and into the group and more so best in show rings, you really can’t compare the dogs to each other. I think the down side to this is that you are likely to get a judge who is more well versed on some breeds than others (who can REALLY know each breed AKC registers equally well??) and so they may default to the best *show dog*. Some breeds are not bred to have a showy personality, and they will likely always do less well once they get into the group and best in show rings.
I'm glad you mentioned that as it's something I had originally intended to say. The GSD standard for temperment (as you're no doubt aware) specifically reads, "...a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships..."
By its very nature, the more closely a dog conforms to this standard, the less likely it will be to "wow" a crowd or unfamiliar judge.
>I think the down side to this is that you are likely to get a judge who is more well versed on some breeds than others (who can REALLY know each breed AKC registers equally well??) and so they may default to the best *show dog*. Some breeds are not bred to have a showy personality, and they will likely always do less well once they get into the group and best in show rings.<
And, as you are well aware, so many “judges” now come straight up from PHA’s ranks (retirement courtesy of AKC?). The other way they get their accreditation is by marrying someone who actually has an eye for a good dog. They know who backs the dog, they see the page after page of advertising in the Chronicle or other publications. They want to be invited to the rich and famous’ parties, so they put up Susie Society’s garbage.