@fivecat  You have some good ideas and points :)

Couple cents worth of ideas/additions/thoughts on my end: Why don't we all use the art theory forum for critiques? in a forum setting there is more chance for interaction, and if anyone has the need to show a larger resolution image, they can always use their gallery, and put it in a WIP category, or perhaps make a critique category.
I was always under the impression that this is one of the reasons to have the art theory forum. Art theory forum is already there, begging to be used, is it not?
And, if I'm mistaking on it's purpose, why not a critique wanted forum? Or perhaps the poser forum itself, with a spoiler: CRIT GROUP:  (in the subject line)

I think people are much more likely to get critique by more actively asking for it. As much as I like fivecat's idea of a critique wanted genre, I have to admit that I am a very frequent offender of not paying attention to image classifications very much. What I'm trying to say is that if someone is trying to attract my attention, little more in your face method would perhaps be more effective.

For me personally, I prefer the critique to be more of an interactive process, and forums lend themselves to that approach quite well. I found my first and only endeavor in seeking critique group input (so far) through the art forum rather helpful!

Also, with either a forum or a category as fivecat said, there wouldn't be any 'named members' of the group, and with that there would be fewer people feeling guilty, and fewer people getting their expectations too high.

Hi, my namez: "NO, Bad Kitteh, NO!"  Whaz yurs?
BadKittehCo Store  BadKittehCo Freebies and product support