My thoughts on this haven't really ever changed.  Only when the bulk of the modeling is original should the work be posted in a modeling forum.  Otherwise,  renders should be judged by the same standards as a photograph; on their composition, lighting, "exposure" etc.  It seems ridiculous to me that I can take a photo of someone in a public place and call it art, but I can't render an image of a stock figure without being criticised for not modeling the subject.  I guess it probably depends on whether it is an art forum or a CG forum, but hopefully someday the art of rendering will get recognition apart from the modeling and rigging (whether or not done by the same artist) involved.