That's a bit extreme Andy, the POTY competition isn't the be-all and end-all in life, there are other ways to enjoy and improve your art.
I know you're stuck out there in France, so I'm not too sure what the photographic world is like where you are, so joining a club may not be an option.
DCM and Pradar are businesses and making money is the bottom line, and by giving pleasure to a lot of people, as they do, is a fortunate by product.
If the art of photography is uppermost in your mind, join the RPS, that's their aim and always has been. Try for their distinctions, not just to put letters after your name, but to stretch your abilities and be assessed by photographers of note, who do not give accolades lightly.
Just a suggestion.
http://www.rps.org