Awhile back, this guy I'll call "Mr. Opinions" saw my locally crafted board and volunteered that the shaper is "@#$!". He went on to express that there are no shapers in the PNW who "know what they're doing" with the exception of one (a brand new hull of whose I saw buckle on a big day at SJ, but whatever).
While I disagree with unfair generalizations, the PNW does seem to lack a lineage/industry/community that may be crucial for Master Craftsmanship to flourish. There also seems to be an over-emphasis on volume throughout the region (although that trend certainly isn't limited to up here) whereas a board doesn't necessarily need more foam, just the right distribution. This doesn't reflect on the shapers either, just what's in demand. While there's always room for improvement, I remain pretty stoked on my Made in Oregons and prefer supporting local shapers whenever possible.
That being said, sometimes the comet's overhead and you gotta chug that kool aid.