I think judges are also people, as we are. Mere mortals, not gods with super power and infinite wisdom. They have their own opinion, maybe it's not the same as our owns vision. But that's the best part! You have opportunity to look at your (or other work) with different eyes, and see something you don't notice at firts sight.
I think any criticism feedback is a great thing.
As creators, we always need some back tapping and good words about our work, just to know it's not piece of sh*t, but to have opportunity to get better as designers, we should get sometimes something different. That's what I think is important.
(Rats, where is my letter with harsh criticism from GAPLC? Still got nothing. I hope mail system in my country still works. At least sometimes.)