Lots of dancers may get the chance to compete in their dancing lifetimes, and competitions shift and change rapidly with what is current on the dance scene. Many judges may promote technique and execution over flashy tricks, that are included in a routine to 'wow' the audience at the expense of safety, whereas others may indicate they value this wow factor more over correct technique in some cases.
However, for now it seems the emphasis on technique is here to stay on the competition circuit. Despite the fact younger dancers are becoming more and more capable - in their many leaps and turns - virtuosity at competitions may be reaching its limit. There is only so much a dancer can execute safely and in an aesthetic and artistic way. After all, dance is an art form, and many feel a performer must be judged more so on quality rather than quantity.
For some this may highlight a risk at not being placed in the medals, if correct technique is to take precedence - aside from the fact this is safer and more effective at developing a well-rounded and technically accurate dancer. This aspect depends purely on the competition, and the judge: it is not always the case that expectations have risen so high that judges will overlook choreography without that wow factor. On the whole, student competitions focus on potential, and tricks are less important. At competitions for professionals, fully formed dancers are required.
Ultimately including tricks can be a gamble. When performed without technique, they simply highlight the limitations of the dancer. Pushing to perform a trick is dangerous if the technical foundation is not there. Many teachers and judges would rather see something more basic performed correctly and with artistry, rather than messy tricks that are not executed correctly. However, when tricks are ready, one great one which is performed with ease and emotion is worth lots too. Back in the studio, they can help challenge the dancer until they are ready.