While I would agree that perhaps paper targets are not all that "interesting'. They never the less do provide a chance for the shooter to see just how well he and his rifle/ammo combinations are doing.
The matches that I have been shooting in, require both paper and life sized targets to be shot with time limits so there is plenty of chances to screw things up.
And as all of the rifles are hammer guns and shooting black powder as well as lead bullets, fouling does become an issue to contend with.
I am looking foward to "SOUTHPAWTOO" upcoming match in April. I am sure it will be an interesting experience at least for me as well as a chance to get out and make smoke and noise for the day.
I tend to believe that it is not the number of rounds down range that count, rather the number that are on target that matters be it paper or hair.