Well purely from a personal point of view, I think I do some pretty good stuff in a diverse subject area, I also get frustrated when I know I've done a good piece and maybe scrape 15 comments and then see what I consider a pile of crap getting 60, 70 + comments when as you say the eyes are dead or the poses stiff etc.

So I guess I agree with you in some context but not all, I think there are still some good artists here but they are being stifled by the "I'll comment on yours if you comment on mine" menatlity which means often the flotsam floats to the top!
Of course there are still top artists that get to the top on merit and artistic talent like Blackerie for example!

Injustice will be avenged.
Cofiwch Dryweryn.