Success, I believe is measured on many personal levels. One might measure Success by finally getting that 12 pointer that's been popping up on the game camera for the last 2 years. Others might be overwhelmed with the feeling of Success by simply making to their stand despite overwhelming pain due to a bad knee or debilitating injury to just watch several deer walk by and simply take pictures. And then again, you have this guyIt takes a little of both IMO.
ETA- also, I'd say it depends on what standard you are measuring "success".
I agree with your statement completely however even in elite shooting competition where each competitor brings their best equipment available and handloaded ammunition they are still competing against other men. Unless they've caved to the woke ideology I hope they still award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Of course a nice patch to show they participated is still cool.In general terms/rule of thumb
An elite shooter using off the shelf equipment will not beat an elite shooter using high end equipment.
An average shooter using high end equipment will not beat an elite shooter using off the shelf stuff.
There are exceptions, obviously, but this has been my personal experience.