Bad Smells When Reviewing Code Affects Approach?

Developed "gut feeling" is what distinguish beginners from professionals. After you gain some experience "gut feeling" becomes one of the main contributors to final decision. It doesn't matter whether you're reviewing somebody's code or creating system architecture, gut feeling guides you.

However pragmatic developer must not be too self-assured. There is always a place for check-lists and other means.

I think you and Kris just disagree on the definition of quality. Take the analogy of a proof in Mathematics.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.