The judges can only judge what's in front of them. If a '90's type physique showed up, they would be rewarded.
Exactly right...
Every sport progresses...in BB, that has meant bigger, heavier, more muscle...not always the best package, but there are exceptions in everything.
As for any research, as someone asked...even the most novice physiques are too extreme for the general public..which is why it wouldnt make a damn bit of difference.
We dont need to appeal to the general public..we need to appeal to our OWN fans...by way of better entertainment, shows, incorporating more personality into the sport...look at wrestling...its the storylines that sell, not the 1,000,000,0000th suplex, leg drop, etc...
Not saying anything needs to be scripted, or silly outfits/ costumes...just more attention to selling the rivalries, stories, challenges, etc...
A great example Ive used in the past, was back a few years ago at the British GP, where KIng and Craig went at it on stage...biggest crowd reaction of the night...and they were battling....for 4th and 5th.
It wasnt the fact that they werent going toe to toe for the title...it was the fact that they hated each other, were talking smack onstage, and raised the energy level and fan interaction 1,000% that night...it was real, genuine emotion....THATS what sells, and THATS what would be needed to interject some much needed interest into the sport...competitions dont have much appeal...shows do.