MAB, If I may make a comment and share an observation I have noticed for several years; but tend to think may be the reason why SongRamp and other songwriting sites are losing their appeal and their members.
IMHO, the "pat on the back" practice is driving everyone away. I can't help but believe we all came over here to learn how to get better; but when all we get is a "pat on the back" we lose interest because we can hear those comments from our family and friends at home. Why bother to come here or anywhere else???
Of course I'm not referring to a few that may be mean and totally be rude, we don't need that. I'm suggesting there is not a songwriter out there that doesn't want to write better songs; whether they are meant to be played for friends and family in their living rooms, a backyard campfire; or considered good enough for the commercial market.
How did we become so politically correct we couldn't offer an opinion to make suggestions designed to help our fellow writers; without worrying about being labeled as coming across as too mean???
I personally would have loved for everyone to brag on my songs and suggest they were radio ready, as anyone else. However; when that was not true I wanted to hear it (even though I didn't like it) and learn from it. In my opinion, helpfull comments, even though they may not be what the writer wants to hear, is a good method to try to learn and do better. I can't help but think it is just not me, I think others want to learn also.
OD