I do agree, but....
I think you are right Tammy, but I am not sure about the deferring to American/French taste bit. There are a few of us in the forums who debate things like MM, NMM, SENMM etc at length. There are only a few however. I would guess that the vast majority who vote on the miniatures never bother to check out the forums. I think therefore they give a much wider spread of opinion. You can see that from some of the strange comments.
I also think that YOUR answer, answers the original question ie, \'what do I have to do to get an 8?\' Answer: paint like a Heavy Metal or Rackham artist. If you are not prepared to do that, they perhaps the highest accolades are beyond your reach, unless you can come up with something truly original. (I use \'you\' and \'your\' in the general sense. I am well aware of your own talent).
I think where you and I agree strongly is in the idea that as an artist you should try and realise your vision, not corrupt it for points or prizes. But isn\'t that the eternal dilemma? Did Michaelangelo want to paint that darned roof? I don\'t think so. Perhaps we need to differentiate between competitive painting and painting for pleasure? And,, If we paint for pleasure we probably wont get 8\'s:bouncy: