As far as pacing the shoot is concerned, I know when I've got it. I don't think there's any reason to take ten takes unless you need them.
Being called a huckster and a charlatan started several years ago, so that's something I'm accustomed to. In most cases, it doesn't bother me.
Learning what you don't want to do is pretty valuable, it may be as valuable as figuring out what it is you do want to do.