No, it definitely doesn't mean they enjoyed competing more than the dancing itself. People who compete are passionate about dance, otherwise they wouldn't do it.

The difference being the type of dancing. Competitors are used to dancing flat out with exciting advanced choreography which would be unacceptable at a social dance. This means they would have to "dance down", to fit in, which is ok for a one-off occasion, but rapidly becomes boring.

I get what you are saying, but if you love dancing above all else, any dancing will do. And what is it to stop you from doing advance choreography with a great partner at social events? Or is it frown upon?

I think I worded my original post badly, as I meant the competition aspect is not thrilling but a motivation to keep going. Once it's gone, part of the determination to keep on the high standards is going.

You would think any dancing would do, but it just doesn't. Imagine a top sportsperson - let's just say Andy Murray - and tell him that in future he would have to down-grade his play to beginner-novice level. How long do you think it would be before he would get bored stiff?

Doing advanced choreography at a social dance would most definitely be frowned upon, and to be honest, quite rightly so. I stood in for a friend who runs a social dance when he was poorly. One evening a couple turned up who were really nice dancers - not worldclass, but nevertheless really good. They decided they were going to practice their choreography and as soon as they started dancing, everyone else promptly sat down. No, not to watch, but out of sheer - understandable - panic that they'd be "run-down"! Such is the difference in pace and movement!

I don't think it necessarily has to be one thing or the other. You can do showcases or compete to a limited extent. I don't think you have to go full out and attend every competition, although I appreciate couples get known and recognised on the circuit if they compete more.

I really do not enjoy attending competitions for a number of reasons. Admittedly these have been medallist where there is a lot of standing around waiting. I do enjoy the preparation work though. i.e striving to dance to my best ability. A little while ago I had a prospective partner who wanted to compete regularly in open competitions all over the country, but it just wasn't for me.

i understand the second paragraph completely and wholeheartedly agree. As do with the bib.
By comparing it to top sportsmen it is clear that the high achieving and competitive element are key in the dance professionals that compete.
I come from Spain, dance competitions exist for different type of dancing but everyone I know that has either been a top amateur or professional (mostly flamenco or ballet) they find a way of making use of their skills usually related to their dancing like most sportsmen do (becoming coaches, commentators, empires...). Michael Clarke (the previous Australian cricket captain) for instance has just announced that he is going to be back playing second tier cricket after a few months of completely retirement because he is just missing it so much. Or the cases sometimes mentioned of Stephen Hendry and Steve Davies, as the former being addicted to winning and the later addicted to playing. That's why Hendry retired (albeit at a normal age) and Davies is still playing though hardly advancing to any decent rounds.
I totally understand those who need to completely and utterly have a clean break once that they are not at their peak or it's too expensive. But there are others who just love playing/dancing so much that anything, anything at all, will be ok. Either way is absolutely fine, there is no judgement in my part.

It is definitely frowned upon, I'm afraid. With regards to Ballroom, its not just the choreo of course, its the power, the movement, the volume, wide frame, ladies extension and head position etc.
Social dancers move very slowly in comparison to competitive dancers, and whilst competitive dancers have usually excellent floorcraft, if they are moving very quickly around the room, the social dancers would feel very uncomfortable. I think Kaycee mentioned in an earlier post, that she was aware that social dancers had sat down whilst better dancers were on the floor.
I have danced at selected social events, for extra practice - selected as we know the floors are very big and can take our movement. Even then, we have to cut back on power and movement, we have to adjust our hold to suit so as not to annoy or upset anyone. We are always aware of other people around us, and move to suit.
Sometimes the floors are so packed, you can do no more than basic and standard in any case, putting some power in when there is a space.