Masts at Burry Port
Your observations are spot on but I had a dilemma here.
I decided that each day I would use only one lens, maybe changing at night but decided that I would try and make shots that recorded Burry Port if possible in a slightly different way whilst retaining Burry Port as being recognisable.
After a few shots it was clear that I could not get a clear enough background and even at f2.8 the oof parts were just not oof enough so I decided that I would make sure the picture retained its Burry Port identity.
I deleted the more 'arty' shots as I was just not hitting the spot probably due to my failings.
So whilst I may have got what I was after for the 'record' shot your observation regarding the technical side I totally agree with, practice and listening to advice is probably the best way forward.
I will be putting more on the gallery but to be honest most are around f8 as my f2.8/3.2 etc shots just didn't make it - maybe its either my taste or lack of ability on the arty side.

Cheers
Stu.
p.s. it's been over 5 years since I cloned a background out on a large scale and whilst the result received praise (my pre Pentax days) it just felt dishonest

K10D, K5 plus plenty of clueless enthusiasm.
My Flickr site link
wadna
15 yearsMember
Nimbin, Australia
Regards,
Ian.