Been there, done that.
Very true, especially about shotguns. Yeek. Getting a shotgun to do what 3-gun competitors are asking *REQUIRES* extensive modifications and a level of PM that would be inconceivable in, for instance, an AR-15. It doesn't help that there are maybe five people in the world who really understand what it takes to keep a 3-gun shotgun running, and only one of them works for a major manufacturer.
I only use name-brand ammo in my shotguns, no promo loads, and I test the hell out of whatever I'm using (the number of 3-gun competitors who don't pattern their shotguns is amazing.) Oddly, I have very few shotgun malfunctions. I've also given up reloading for my ARs, as I never got the performance out of my handloads that I do from factory stuff. I still load my pistol ammo and don't plan on giving that up, but I gauge and inspect every single round that I shoot in a major match. Oddly, I don't get many rifle or pistol malfunctions either.
No, it's not. A lot of people think so, but buying gear and training are really exactly the same thing.
That said, I see the same things at the local matches (rarely at majors.) Fact is, there are plenty of competition shooters out there who really don't care much about winning, or even advancing as a shooter. They shoot entirely for recreation, and a few malfunctions, or languishing forever in MM/D-class, aren't interfering with their enjoyment of the game. I'm far too type-A a personality to agree with this outlook, but it's not hurting me, so I try not to judge.