Excellent points Al and well said, they make some sense when explained in the manner presented.
Mike Page's thread was handled quite well, the discussion brought up by Brainbay9 about proper critique was moved to another thread and the actual critiques were left with the subject, as it should be.
I can't help but to notice that you have been bringing up
The Art Of Bonsai Project quite a bit for use as examples lately. Comparing the two forums is akin to comparing apples to oranges, they are both different, they both serve different purposes, and they are both different forums, unrelated in many aspects.
AOB deals exclusively with the artistic aspects of bonsai and has set high standards for work submitted, discussions, and critiques. A sense of professionalism is not only asked for but is mandatory there. This outlook is called elitist by many but it serves the purpose of allowing educational artistic discussion to thrive without many of the usual setbacks. By the way, everything posted there is also open for critique.
For the record, the way we have the actual post separate from the discussion bugs me to no end, lol.
This forum on the other hand deals with all aspects of bonsai from beginner levels to Master levels. It's very nature dictates that informality be allowed and it serves it purpose quite well. In fact the way it is defines why it is the best bonsai forum for all levels of bonsaist.
Will Heath