That brings up an interesting question - is it doing anyone any favours to avoid critiquing sucky work? Should a person venture outside of their purview to offer feedback?

I think the only way to improve is to take people's critiques and suggestions as they're intended. It can be like hearing someone tell you that your baby is kind of malformed or maybe underdeveloped, but if it helps to make a better baby, it's worth the initial little hurtful cringe.

I've seen people be absolutely nasty and vicious, and that really pisses me off. Why on earth would they attack a fellow writer? Which comes back to the question of offering feedback on pieces you don't care for in one way or another.