For a while I've thought a lot of talent isn't getting the recognition it deserves from Mapcore. Being a featured artist should be reserved for exceptional work but it's also important to actively reward it where it's due.
For example, Majoris, a relatively new member of the community, has done fucking amazing work on his Insurgency maps. Ins_Buhriz is easily equal to or greater than some of the maps that have been previously spotlighted.
Minos last release was also amazing.
Hessi's dod_kolsch wasn't received particularly well. I thought this showed a fair bit of integrity that everyone didn't sycophantically tell him it was amazing. I also think Hessi is a contender for the most arrogant person on the internets but he's also a fucking good mapper and probably deserved a spotlight for that one.
I also find it odd that Reno isn't a featured artist. He's an accomplished mapper and even won the 1024 map comp.
I think the featured artist status should be reserved for maps of the utmost quality but we should also be actively recognising the talent round here. Purhaps a slightly formalised criteria or spotlight submission process could help?
/rant