Hi there

I went to the show too to collect a new bird from a breeder and there certainly were some beautiful birds entered. I didn't think that there was as much info readily available for potential keepers such as yourself as their might have been. There were quite a few clubs reps there though who are usually helpful, (though every one you speak to thinks their breed is the best!)
I saw the dumpies and the plymouth rocks and they were a very good representation of the breed.
I keep bantam breeds and find the plymouth rock to be a consistant egg layer of good sized eggs ( for the size of the bird) and a confident, intelegent and even tempered bird. My Plymouth Rock is head girl and rules the roost with such tollerence and subtlety that we never have any pecking, fighting or bullying. None of the birds fear her though they do respect her and she will share her food and nest box with the lowest in the pecking order. If any one really is taking the micky she makes a little pworkig noise and this is usually enough to remind the others of the rules. If not she will administer one measured peck ( very rare ) and the whole thing is then forgotten about.
I dont know if she is typical of the breed but If she is then I think you will be very happy with your choice.
You should be able to purchase some strong healthy birds from show breeders which are not suitable for showing or breeding from, from a breeders point of view. they will be cheaper than the show quaility birds but still good looking birds.
Buffy