I've never been known to quickly defend editors of the major MRR mags, but I have to say it's likely true they did get negative feedback from the past Sellios articles. (And we all know that a MAJOR magazine feels it mustn't LEAD, it must FOLLOW it's perception of what the MARKET wants, lest an advertiser or two get miffed.)
There seems to be constant whining about the magazines featuring "big layouts of rich guys". So many model railroaders seem to think that anyone who builds something larger than 4x8 is a Mr. Gotrocks, and shouldn't be credited. I've not the impression that George Sellios plays golf with Bill Gates, and although he did have the luxury of time, John Allen was by no means wealthy.
I will never build anything nearly so fine, as the Franklin and South Manchester, the Gorre and Daphetid, the Badger Creek, or the several other landmark model railroads, but I respect and honor the fine modelers who have done, and (as already stated in this thread) I take their work as inspiration, as something that should be shown, as examples of the mountain top we all should TRY to reach --- no matter our limitations. If I only get part way up the mountain, it isn't failure. It's a fun trip worth the effort.
Bill S. (hopping down off his soap box)
