Richard,
I don't believe you're recongizing the distinction between 1) having/growing our own trees because we love them, find them beautiful and enjoy the activity - and - 2) exhibiting works of artistry.
The two have to be approached from very specific and exclusive sets of criteria for what is good and/or appropriate. By "moving to the next level" (your quote, my basic thrust) I mean that we need to be more clear and appropriate in our aims for the exhibition part to be done right, to be done justice, to have contextual relevancy.
If there was a bonsai exhibit and 50 people contributed displays - you were one of them - AND unbeknownst fo the participants the displays were judged, would you be upset? Why? The answer to that question is what is at the heart of the issue of why we are often rather lackadasical in our approach to bonsai exhibits. ;-)
Talking to the artists about what they are trying to express in the work is a nice activity, often instructive. However, if the artists are any good, such things will be quite clear when one views their work. Artistry is about communication. Failed communication is not made better by explanation. (but this is a somewhat separate point from the theme of the thread. Sorry.).
Kind regards,
Andy Rutledge
www.andyrutledge.com/
zone 8 Texas