New BJCP Guidelines need for 14B American IPA?

In the last couple of years there has been a marked trend for highly sought after IPAs in New England. The highest rated and best (in my opinion) offerings from the likes of Tree House, Trillium, Fiddlehead, Stoneface, to name a few, are more balanced. They focus on more hop flavor and aroma and less on bitterness. There is enough bitterness to balance the beer but it tends to hit the palate mid- to late-sip rather than in the front-end. The bitterness also fades quickly. Another trait are colors that fall out of range, probably due to the use of pilsner malts more than standard 2-row for a base.

I recently tried brewing a beer with the same qualities. I'm going to enter it in the 14B category but I think I'm going to get knocked around for SRM (color is between 4 and 5) and perceived bitterness. I hit the range as calculated but certainly not "decidedly hoppy and bitter" as the Guidelines suggest.

Do Guidelines often catch up or adjust to new trends or do you just have to realize you will never score high if you want to follow them.

 

That's typical of me. I usually ask for help at stores to find something that is right in front of my face.