Mike I agree with one proviso...you said your best work is better than their worst..... WRONG.....in most cases your WORST work is better that their BEST. That is what makes me really mad.
That is my whole point and why I keep making it about mediocrity. These people know that they are mediocre.....why else would they fear outsiders so much.....If they were the cream then they would open their doors without fear because no others could threaten the best.
Refusing to even compete with others is a sign of fear and weakness and they know it.