I don't think there's any great harm in ratings, votes and "wonderful" comments, as long as you don't take them seriously. They spread a little pleasure in a perfectly safe and legal way. As to "constructive criticism", well there's nothing more annoying than getting it from someone you don't know or whose work you don't respect. And let's face it, there's no point trying to turn this place into a serious art forum--not with all those naked plastic ladies around! PS as an Aussie I have issues with both Yanks and Poms.