You also have to consider where the criticism's coming from: I'm a learning guitarist, and I find I get the oddest negative critiques from people who can't play any instrument at all. In fact, no one who actually plays music has been anything but kind and encouraging. I had a drunk fellow last night who 'used to play a bit of electric guitar' try to tell me I use 'too many fingers on a chord - two finger chords are the best'. I find a blank uncomprehending stare works best with these types. ;-)