well, the thing is, i don't make maps to fit someones definition of 'successful'. i make maps how i like to play them, and coincidentally how another niche crowd likes to play them. if just one person has some fun with it, well then im glad.
but you see, i don't carry a clipboard when i try a map. there are stranger things in life than a fun map that doesn't fit some strict guidelines for 'success'. all i know is, its fun for me and others playing HL2dm, DOD:S, and CS:S in a house. and thats enough for me.