I would say that Hunt Tests and Field Trials are more difficult to train for than hunting as there is much more obedience you are incorporating into the tests. Most hunting dog owners would never get their dog as far along a training program as is required for hunt tests; whichever venue you're looking at.
Pointing dogs - How many hunters actually get their dog to become 100% steady that aren't testing or trialing?
Retrieving dogs - How many hunters are getting their dogs to handle at 300 yards out?
I don't think there are many.
That said, I feel there is a huge difference in the manners the dog has on game when you look at a dog that has been tested and not hunted vs a dog that has been hunted. Dogs that know wild game have much better manners than those that don't.