I've been in 4 meets so far, having started at age 62 in 2013. I did 3 that year, got sick in April of 2014 which sidelined me from weight loss and weakness until I recovered enough to prep for a meet in March of this year.
I'm not entirely sure I understand how you differentiate "competitive" powerlifters from other people who go to meets and compete as well. Unless perhaps you mean going to a meet having paid your fees for the purpose of motivation or recreation.
I consider myself a competitive powerlifter. I make all the calculations you talk about and am planning out the next 2 years. I lift in the USPA/IPL Federation which has Raw, Classic Raw, Single Ply, and Multi Ply divisions. Raw was my choice, because in my life, simplicity rules. As a Master's lifter and soon turning 65, I just recently reviewed the requirements for qualifying for both the UPSA Nationals and the IPL Worlds. I managed to qualify for the Worlds in 2013 because at the time they required a Class I total. They revised that upward to a Master's total in 2014. The Class I total is still good enough to qualify for the Nationals. I figgered I was not likely to get back to the Worlds again because the total was more than I was likely to get. But in September, when I turn 65, I need to get a 1003 total to qualify.
My best total in competition to date has been 970 lbs. which oddly enough was in my first meet in 2013. I haven't managed to achieve that since. My 2nd meet was in some horrendous heat which sapped me after 10 hours of it in an unairconditioned venue when I was deadlifting. The total meet ran 12 hours which ended an hour after my normal bedtime. Afterward, after looking at the qualifications, I realized I could go to the Worlds in Vegas baybee! This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, having never done better than an all-conference honorable mention in my high school (American) football venture and getting eliminated in the 2nd round of the NCAA regionals in judo as a senior in college. What complicated this was that it was barely 6 weeks from the debilitating meet in October. I was still recovering from the effects, but I was determined to take my shot. I couldn't eat well from the impending performance anxiety and there were devils in my head. So I went and was running on fumes the whole meet. But I went.
My plan going forward is to total 1003 for the 2016 Worlds. The meet in March was also warm and I didn't do well because I neglected my hydration and first spasmed and cramped up bench pressing when my hamstring betrayed me by picking my right foot off the platform for 3 red lights from a foot fault. I recovered by making my Nationals poundage goal on my 3rd attempt which I had also done in my 2nd attempt in the squat. But I ran out of gas in the deadlift and missed my total. But I am a shoe in for Nationals next year at age 65. I can make an 880 total in my sleep. I have to make my total for the 2016 Worlds in November of that year some time after November of 2015. I had already planned for an October meet after the March meet, but have revised that since I discovered I can possibly make a 1003 total.
So far, I'm on track, having just made a PR in the gym of 325 in the squat. My best in competition has been 315 so far. So yeah, the meets provide a focus for my training I wouldn't have otherwise. Goals mean something if you take them seriously, and I take all of mine seriously.
I dunno about meets not being the most fun to watch. Dearly Beloved and I are headed to the Nationals in Vegas later to cheer on Eric K and grisent who post here, as well as meet up with that charming Brazilian Carlos Daniel who also posts here now and again. He lifts in the IPL too. Good times are in store for later this year.