Tuttle,
The only use I can see for a flag when uploading is to add extra text to the comment box about giving it to the artist straight if that is what is desired.

A flag as part of the thumbnail or next to the thumbnail, like some banner of goodness, is only going to cause a class distinction based on an untruth. All artists I think want to improve, but we all have different tolerances as to what constitutes a helpful comment. Just because an artist doesn't want to hang a shingle that says, "Open Season" on their work, doesn't mean that they don't want any suggestions. However, a flag creates the myth that those that don't set it, don't want to improve ever, and thus will lead to arguments and nasty comments about pressuring artists to do so. I can see it now. "You should have set the flag on this, because you really need to improve and artists that don't improve are wasting every one's time." Not my sentiment, but I can see this being said.

From what I've seen artists that say "Give it to me straight" in the description (put it in big bold letters) usually get the comments they want, so I really don't see a need for this beyond like I said, adding text to the comment so people see it more.

Also, maybe a general critique forum not based on any program would be a good idea, rather than flags in the gallery. Just a thought...

Bulldawg66,
No offense, but the whole T&A gets all the glory, is a tired excuse. Comments and views come to solid images and artists that extend themselves to others. Yes, T&A does have it's fan club, but hundreds of other artists on here that don't have a tit anywhere in their gallery do just as well. Artistic merit and/or participating in the community can really go along way toward getting noticed and once you are noticed, others will too and then you are off. It takes a bit more work, but it's done by lots of artists.

My 2c