I think you treaded well and lightly on a very sensitive subject. While it seems that the very nature of "competitive dance" is antithetical to the idea of artistry, I think you may have left out consideration to the fact that at MOST competitions the dancers are judged not only on their ability to dance the dance, but also on their "technique and general musicality" (among other things). That said a closer and more intimate understanding of the role of dance competitions in the training of a dancer is necessary.

Most dancers rarely dance in one  "act" at a competition. For many preparation for a competition is  a process not unlike that of a professional dancer. Most studios require that a competition dancer take a minimum amount of technique classes on top of competition classes. If competing is to be the carrot for this.....then so be it. Studio dancers too often don't have a real, foreseeable, focused goal to work toward to get them into more technique classes. We do live in a time of instant gratification. If a dancer needs to see his or her goal in front of them to pursue the art while they are young, then in my opinion that should be allowed. Competitions provide that attainability until the dancer is ready to move on to more lofty goals. It is a great first step in encouraging the right kind of moxy.

Competitive dancers are expected to perform multiple routines from solos to lines, many across disciplines. Some "teams" have the opportunity to do this every weekend during the season. These dancers learn the art of hair and makeup, teamwork, professionalism, the quick change and they develop the skills and thick skin it takes to move on to the next level if that is a choice they make. Competitions not only provide (just about) year round real performance opportunities for these dancers who might not have them otherwise, they are also offering the dancers a chance to improve their own technique (et al) through exposure to other dancers.

Having been a competition kid myself, long before I joined the ranks of the "anti-competition" mind set (after more and repeated exposure, I consider myself  "born again" pro competition), I know that I may  have never recognized good technique if it hit me in the face had it not been for the experiences I had at competitions. I would go every weekend and marvel at those dancers that took the high score awards, not because they were good at tricks, but because they  were able to move me and usually the judges. I had something to work towards, it was inspiring for me as a dancer. I will never forget the first time I took class with one of the girls I thought was just "the bees knees", I was terrified. My mother had to remind me that she was just a normal person lol.

Can this all go terribly wrong? Sure, I've seen it. Do we see too many "tricks"? Most definitely, but any comp director or judge is not going to argue with anybody about that. Most loathe the "tricks". But as long as the Director/Teacher/Coach/Parent/Dancer  remembers that dance (including  dance competitions) is about the process and not the product, students will continue to grow through these experiences. After sitting through about 20 or so national competitions in the month of July, the one thing that continually tickled me and made me feel like "everything is going to be ok" was the eagerness of the dancers to improve their technique......I 've been hearing a lot of that lately and I think that with time, the "trick" act will be phased out. The competition routine has made a ton of progress in the past couple of years. Teachers/Choreographers are really starting to put stuff up on those stages that might even rival some concert dance :)

(though I do have one complaint....this is for the dancers......keep the noise down backstage and try not to hit the backdrop when you cross over, will ya? ;-)