I don't think you deserve the downvotes for expressing your opinion. However, there's nothing wrong with having trusted friends read your work. In fact, it sho

I don't think you deserve the downvotes for expressing your opinion. However, there's nothing wrong with having trusted friends read your work. In fact, it shows respect to your readers, especially if you have a megaphone as PG does. Thanking your editors is polite and that is something we could use more of.