Speaking as an artist myself, I feel that some of the these harsh armchair criticisms are uncharitable at best, ill considerered and philistine at worst.
Working within the constraints of licences and subject to approval by their holders, I'd like to see any artists (let alone untalented critics) do any better.

Are the "armchair criticisms" and "untalented critics" you refer to those in this thread? If so, I think such comments on the thoughts of members in a pinball discussion forum are ill considered at best, and rude at worst.