Words of advice.  First don't ever pull a post, ( unless it's an exclusive and your client wants you to ).  Art directors lurk every where and you as an artist are in more demand than what you think.  Second,  " snobbery " exists everywhere even here.  It's a tool certain people use to try and cut down on competition.  Their words can't hurt you as long as you have your art as proof of your abilities.  Third,  post your work in 2D forums too.