Bill $5 is cheap and am sure is great value for money. However it is a bit pointless me asking you for a critique for one of my euro rock songs or you asking me to critique a country song aimed at a Nashville audienece. Horses for courses and all that is my point.

I have a team of trusted folk mostly fellow musicians who I run stuff past.

I do think the bricklayer analogy is a particularily good one. A good competent bricklayer will not need another opinion as he has worked to a plan and followed the specs and standards.
He can check his own work with a plumbline tape measure and spirit level. No need to ask another bricklayer to confirm what he already knows. A novice apprentice may however benefit from a once over from an experienced tradesman who would spot errors and give tips.

That said songwriting cannot be assesed in the same way. It is ART and not sold by the yard nor measured with a tapemeasure or spirit level. There are too many different styles, standards and variables.

Most of my musician pals write in many completely different styles and ways and aim at different audiences. Any benefits from a paid critique are of a limited value.

My original point is that for some paying for a critique can be a great benefit but for others a complete waste of time and money.

One thing is for sure we are never too old or experienced to learn and should take every opportunity to advance our skill and knowledge.

I am a bowler (lawn bowls) I have been over forty years and am considered to be pretty good at it having won many championships and achievd high status as a national coach. That said I learn something new every game I play or watch.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=687727&songID=5238055