Sorry, Xeno, but "earned the right to sneer" does not mean "is obligated to sneer." Most of the musicians I know are humble, friendly, and incredibly helpful to a learner like me. Again, you've focused on the wrong part of the equation. This is not about whether someone is making fun of you. This is whether you've earned the right to stand on a soapbox and say "I'm as good as they are." But why do I bother? Whenever any blanket observation is made about the galleries, or Poser art in general, a hundred angry people jump up immediately saying "But MY art isn't like that!" Well....good for you! But as long as people get their egos in a knot the moment any criticisms are heard, there will be no productive discussion -- and constructive critiques in the galleries will only be produced by the adventurous and the thick-skinned.