I am of the mindset that only those that put their ax to the grind and shop their stuff to the listening public have the one sole best chance in music of cracking the scene outside of playing at a tavern or backing us some special somebody.
In my little bit of experience, the listening public will look at things like uniqueness in sound while being something listenable to set what they do apart.
Not conformity.
That is in a way to where these "expert" sites are missing the boat.
That is why for me even the less mentioned sites are just as important.
Alternative rock was'nt even accepted until the indie sights could make it credible.

Some like a DeVinchi and others like fingerpainting.
It is up mainly to the average listener on where that falls.

http://www.f3music.com/444