Good debate !
Robert - Yes I totally agree with you that where quantities allow, then breed classes should take place, I am always happiest when my saddlebacks are being judged against other saddlebacks. Unfortunately whilst this can happen in some parts of the country or at larger shows, and where numbers are not sufficient I would always prefer mixed classes than no classes, or judging of classes of 1 or 2 pigs.
Mandy - perhaps I over reacted to your choice of words, but am all for encouraging people to show pigs. And I am as keen as you are that they are not a substitute curly coat !!
Having showed various other animals and found the handlers to be bitchy, devious, and selfish, it has been a real eye opener in the last couple of years to find out that pig showing is different. We've met a really nice crowd of pig people, who help each other and are as pleased when you win, as we are when beaten by a cracking pig. Many of the sows we go to are small affairs and individual breed classes are not practical.
However showing whilst fun, and good discipline for ensuring that you keep best for breeding, is for me only half the point. Getting the public interested in preserving all breeds of pig, mainly by reconnecting with their food and eating them, but also getting some into pig keeping is vital if we are not to just keep museum pieces. To this end I would much prefer JSP and her Mangas at a show than not. Our Mangalitza at the South of England show generated a lot of interest from the general piblic, and sparked lots of conversations where we were able to explain about where pork comes from, conversations that would not have started without her.
Final thought - just about every other farm animal (or indeed any animals that people show) has breds from all over the world eg the Simmental cow from switzerland, Texel sheep from Holland, Angora goat from Turkey, countless poultry breeds etc. so why should pig showing not represent the breeds that are kept in the UK, not just those that originated?
Crikey this horse is getting awfully high, so time to get off it!!:)