Well, for me in particular, this has been a real eye-opening thread. I paid attention to the principals making comments, and started to wonder: which ones have credibility? So, I went on Greg's site, listened to "Dating Game" and "Fly Away". you know something? They were both really good. I got commentss from Mike Caro, so I went and listened to his stuff. Was quite frankly blown away. Then I went on Niteshift's site. Listened to "Synthetic Salsa" and "You Do It Right". The latter in particular had a wonderful production (panning techniques I'd never heard before), gospel and synth mixed beautifully, absolutely delightful. A couple of these posters said they would listen to my stuff. After hearing their's, I had a moment of panic. These people are really talented. Still, I am proud of my own tunes, and am flattered that they will go listen.
So, here's my point, sort of. Niteshift thinks the Blazetrak concept sucks. Mike Caro & Greg disagree. They're all damn talented, way more than me.
I think that a shot -- five minutes -- at one of the proven, successful "professionals" on the site is entirely ethical. If it works, great. If not, at least you have been shot down by the best. And you even have a video to prove it.
Ott