Tell that to MMA. There's an understanding between KCBS and MMA that KCBS is trying to set themselves up as the NFL of BBQ when it comes to the marketing deals and reputation. We'll see. Let's see if the NFL invites the replacement ref from the Seattle/Green Bay game back this year.
Seriously though, comparing Four Meat competitions (KCBS is not the only one) to MBN, MBN definitely requires more cooking space and more meat, but to say that it's harder is something that depends on some one's opionion. I can show up to an MBN event with a case of ribs, cook half in the morning and the other half two hours later, and I'm done, with a shot at GC. Four Meat competitions require, well four meats. they each have to be cooked differently, to come off on a schedule. Some get injected, some get a cooking liquid, some get a mop, some don't get anything. Different prep skills, different rubs, different sauces. Personally, i think that the coordination of having four meats done on a schedule with all the differences is more difficult than cooking a large quantity of one meant. Don't forget, I lived in Memphis and have competed in MIM.
The on-site presentation definitely includes its own challengers and is more difficult than any blind turn in box, but I think that may be outweighed by the time, effort, and skill it takes to turn in non-IBCA chicken (and consistantly win). In the end, opinions vary, and I'm veering off topic. Sorry.
dmp