I heard the H.L. Mencken quote as "No one ever lost money underestimating the taste of the American public." But then, that was from my dad, the man who claims that he makes up "better words" to songs he doesn't know the real words to. The most sincere compliment I was ever given was at a New Year's formal party...a guy looked at me and said "Damn." (With a definite note of appreciation) I felt more secure about my looks than I have before or since. :)