I don't think I've met anybody, judge or not, that thought meadmakers made mead because it was easier to win medals. I'm pretty sure they all though meadmakers really like mead. Even if you did want to win medals, there are easier, less popular beer styles one could shoot for.
And really I don't even understand where their question is going. Ability to win medals would be a poor reason to start a business. I'd understand more if they said "Did you get into pro meadmaking because the final product is more valuable (per oz) and more shelf stable than beer?" Those are solid business reasons to head that direction. Of course, the counterargument is that there is much lower market demand for mead. Counter-counter argument - less competition too.
The only thing I've heard is some people being uncomfortable with meads being at a Best of Show table with beer. This doesn't bother me anymore than light lager being on the BOS table with Russian imperial stout. The only thing that @#$% me off is some who suggests that contest rules be changed mid-contest (ie. - to award a separate mead BOS because you don't want to compare it to beer.) That's unfair to entrants.
Off topic, but...
I'm familiar with the categories, did the exam online, waiting for a tasting seat. I think its gonna be a long wait.
Most exams have long waiting lists. But leading up to the exam there are so many dropouts that I've heard of exams going through a wait list of 20 to fill 12 seats. I've even heard of some struggling to get the minimum 6 in the days leading up to the exam.
So my suggestion is write to the admin of any exam you're willing to travel to. Tell them you've already passed the online exam (an obstacle that causes many to drop out). If its a really convenient location, tell them you can fill a last minute opening. Even consider offering to be the exam as an alternate if there is a no-show that day. If you're flexible you should have no problem finding a seat. Of course if exams aren't offered near you, that's another matter.