I do not believe that anyone is questioning the higher standard. Someone below even quoted what has been the mantra for a long time - a 1 at Region is a 3 at State.

The question/problem arises from the seemingly arbitrary or irrelevant or non existent commentary justifying the rating. Many examples have been listed here.

Two of mine: Giving a marimba soloist a 2 and the comments are only about the lesser quality and age of the instrument (obviously a school marimba), even stating that the director should use this sheet as justification for his administration to upgrade their equipment.

Very early in my career I had a four year All-State player - phenomenal player - that also had made a 1 each of his first three years at TSSEC. Always played for a judge that, while I won't say where he was from, parked in his usual space for the contest. Kid was told every year, "I hope to be teaching you after HS." Kid played his senior year for the same judge. Asked if he was coming to his school. Kid replied, "No sir, I have been accepted to Eastman." Want to guess what his rating was?