Obviously, you haven't read the entire thread...Bill will usually write and tell you why...Needs more ramification, Too juvenile...etc...
No, Bill told me last summer he wanted me to bring it. I am humbled, and honored. Is it the best tree I've ever seen? No, I know of several better JBP.
Funny, Bill stayed at my house when he visited Atlanta as a guest artist for the Atlanta Bonsai Society about 30 years ago. We were both much younger then! I'm glad to see how he has been able to have great success with his magazine, and the production of the National Show. Participating in this event has been a goal of mine, and I hope I will be able to have something worthy for the next one.