...

But I think here the deal is about improving your skills, your taste (yes, it is like wine... you need to drink wine often to know more about it), to learn how to make good observations... it is not so much about votes and stuff like that...

For me, before anything else, a good chop is about a great idea. And what can help to bring a very good idea to another level is a great composition (especially about aestheticism) and great execution.
Sometimes it doesn't necessarily need a so big effort...
It can be simple and easy. Here's an example: http://photoshopcontest.com/view-entry/88151/darts.html

I'll come back later on this thread...