"Being nice to each other doesn't make a good artist and everyone who has followed a professional art education knows that."

Which accounts for how many people here - probably way less than half. Even adding in the serious amateurs probably nets less than half. What you're left with are people relaxing, enjoying a hobby and yes socializing. In that context, most of the comments are going to be short and generally complimentary and more likely given to friends than strangers, the same as you get when people comment on your bean dip or your new outfit or what you did with the living room. The problem is not that the gallery is somehow broken or riddled with cliques. The problem is in thinking of it as the type of serious professional arena where candid detailed criticism is the norm. It's not. If the name 'gallery' is a problem, call it a 'wall' like they do on Facebook. There's nothing wrong with wanting something more substantial, but the numbers are against it happening often in the Rendo gallery. I'll bet that professional artists have their own hangouts where criticism is given. I doubt that they depend on the comments of the average MOMA or LACMA visitor.

"Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H. L. Mencken