Nice.
Don't feel bad. Judging is arbitrary at all shows. I doubt the aero blue won 3rd because it's a V12........ They might have just liked the color.
As far as bone stock vs modded, arbitrary is in the eye of the beholder. Some don't like modded cars and like stock and vice versa. Mine is pretty much stock (except for Euro charging which can't be seen
but it is a VERY clean car. I won top 30 at the Moparpalloza event this year and while mine is an exceptional car, I think the judge liked an exceptional stock / clean car over some of the other worthy modded cars.
I don't go for awards, I just go to be with car lovers, friends, to check out other fantastic rides for ideas and if I happen to pick up something, all the better.