Some Judges don't make any films. Some concentrate on one specific type of movie (which may not even get shown at BIAFF). They would argue that you don't have to lay an egg to tell a good one. Cynics would remind you of the maxim - those that can, do, those that can't, teach/preach.Maybe some kind of 'check list' where judges indicate the number of films produced in various genres in the last 5 years might be useful? That might go some way to ensure any one judging panel doesn't end up with three judges whose combined output only covers one genre. Just a thought - it might happen already!
Knowing most of the BIAFF judges and the type/variety of films they make, I appreciate their assessment and comments on my movies accordingly. Most of the time, I can but agree with the comments which, always, are intended to be helpful. But when one of the judges falls into one of the above categories, I do tend to add a huge dose of salt to the comments. I don't think I've ever noticed when all three judges fall into the same category, so perhaps a balance is maintained.
Sour grapes? I don't think so. As others have pointed out - judges not experienced in a genre or a particular topic can miss some of the finer points, the creator's intentions, the subtleties. But on the other hand, the movie maker maybe should have been clearer in delivering the message.
You can't please all the people all the time, as good ol' Abe once observed ...