Allen, some years ago I did that show several times as a speaker/demonstrator, book author, and judge. I also served of the board of the San Diego club which hosts the largest show on the Pacific Rim.
It was often difficult to get really fine woodworking entered into the show because after the show many pieces had to be refinished from the gazillian hands that had touched, opened, turned over, and opened drawers and doors.
It is easy to think you are the only one, but everyone makes that decision. There are members cruising the area to help you remember this is someone's very special piece and to caress it only with your eyes.
Only when firm security was implemented did real fine things show up. May I gently request that you ask before touching and fondling? For some pieces that request may be honored.
Hopefully that doesn't detract from your reason to go to the show. It is one of the very best shows in the entire country. It is hosted by a woodworking club, not a professional show promoter. Vendors are invited, thus limited, but also selected so as to have a wide selection of items. Over the years they have learned that it is a privilege to be there, so they are very accommodating.
There have been a wide variety and many free 'classes' led by very talented, and well-known people. And there is the wood project exhibit, complete with judging and ribbons. When I judged the show, the professional work was separated and judged as professional. That allowed the the hobbyist to be judged only in the company of other hobbyists.
It is also a heck of a lot of fun. It was one of the most 'fun' shows I did, back when I was on the show circuit. If I were not in Arizona and closer to New York, I'd go again.