Quote -
On the other, other hand, this sounds like I'm being really cynical. ;)

I agree with what  Randym said.

Quote - Even if the artwork doesn't sell, how much is the "exposure" worth? --John

It's worth whatever you are willing to pay to be able to put  "gallery exhibition" on your resume.  Apparently from what I've read in this thread,  that's all these types of galleries amount to.

"It is good to see ourselves as others see us. Try as we may, we are never
able to know ourselves fully as we are, especially the evil side of us.
This we can do only if we are not angry with our critics but will take in good
heart whatever they might have to say." - Ghandi