I think there is a line between constructive criticism and plain bashing.
Of course popular works did something well, that is why they are popular. Maybe they targeted an unidentified niche, have a likable cast or unique worldbuilding, or a factor we may not even have considered.
Constructive criticism of a work, no matter their popularity is a vital tool to reach success. Of course that also means recognizing the flaws on the works we love. To accelerate our growing as writers and artists we need to be able to distinguish what works, when it works and why.
It took me awhile to realize that I was no longer a 'newbie' and actually had skills in my craft. Once I did realize, it became a lot easier to just fix a mistake I saw instead of beating myself up over it... also realizing that I will literally never stop learning ways to improve my craft allowed me to be a LOT more chill on myself. Otherwise I used to do the same thing. I was constantly like 'wow, I'm so stupid. How did I not realize that this would be better as xyz and this grammar rule exists for a reason.'
It bothers me though that a lot of popular artists don't seem to have a library of their own, which kind of tells me, "Well, these creators are all about themselves and have no desire to help others". That's the kind of turn-off that makes me unsubscribe fast. When WE get to 1,000 subscribers or so, (because we eventually will), we'll certainly keep reading and commenting and liking as many comics as we can. That's what the Tapas community is all about.
I think I said it before, it's pointless to be in competition with one another. We should all be helping each succeed, by subbing, commenting, liking whatever we really like. I KNOW no one is obligated to do anything here...but I wish more people would think like we do and feel great doing something to help others. 
A lot of popular creators just don't have time for it, they are sitting there drawing for 16 hours every day 
You can hide your library. Mine is hidden. I tend to assume big creators are the same. I don't like the idea of people knowing what I'm reading. I like a bit of privacy there.
Yeah, a creator who's consistently being featured on the top of the front page should be aware that's a huge advantage to their subscriber count. Giving advice that doesn't reflect that and implies that the people who haven't reached that point just aren't working "hard enough" is a double edged sword.
And it's a bit antiquated.
I see our community happiness czar understands that things have changed and is trying new stuff to push smaller creators. The simple new reality is Tapas has to get involved to get projects over now...self grinding only gets you so far.
Seconded.
I wasn't aware hiding the library was an option, but it certainly still doesn't help the creators out.
I wish we could hide our likes too. I don't mind the creator seeing them, but I wish my public profile could be a lot more private
Yeah I'm a big proponent for 'do it your way' exactly because not all methods work for all people.
It's all about finding the secret sauce that works for the individual.
In my experience, it's the long game that matters. Some creators just need time (maybe decades) to hit their stride. Some don't, it's all a matter of finding what works personally.
I agree, creators should acknowledge they've got advantages. But that doesn't change the fact that thing like "all popular comics are copies of each other" or "churn out effortless trash" or "just creator BL and you'll be popular" (which was a very popular one) are not productive or respectful mindsets. As I say, I'm not saying the premium/popular creators are perfect, but I am saying that they do not deserve the bashing that I have seen across multiple threads for years.
If you feel it's not as bad as I do, that's up to you and how you feel, but I don't think my point of "how about creators treat each other with respect rather than blaming each other" is wrong.
Also finding and presenting to the proper audience. Since Tapas is filled with so many genres and the like, it's really hard to reach out to the right audience. But..........I think I might have a solution for that....just now, it hit me.
Hmmm.
You mean like when Jerry had to take a polygraph test about whether he watches "Melrose Place" on that episode of Seinfeld...
Yeah, I have nothing of value to offer to tapas anymore 
Same thing with writing. I'd love to read more but my concentration is shot when I'm thinking "I should be writing." But I think I'll make more of an effort.
This, this, a thousand times this. I'm having to go back right now and redo my entire prologue the right way because I rushed it so hard the first time around. It's udderly f
cked beyond repair without redrawing it. It would have been less time consuming in the long run to have just done it the way I wanted to in the first place.
The takeaway here should be that producing comics is for you, the creator's, enjoyment first and foremost. Do it because you love it and you will find success. Do it while stressing over success and numbers, and you're gonna crumble.
Definitely right on that end of things. That's something I've realized recently when looking at other people's (admittedly helpful) advice. Everyone's different and what works for one person might not work for someone else to a T. You gotta find what works best for you and adapt it so you can operate the best you can in that regard.