I've thought some more about this, and I think I have another useful tidbit to consider. I find myself making more objective decsions about a potential subject while framing it, before I click the shutter. Until that time, what I'm looking at is just stuff, not yet "MY" stuff. Once the image appears, then the personal attachment happens, allowing for rationalizations, explanations, etc.
So, the moral of the story for me here, is SLOW DOWN, and really critique the scene in the viewfinder while it's still maleable. That may be obvious to many of you, but it's a real breakthrough for me in terms of my developement. Furthermore, critiquing through the viewfinder isn't always easy, especially if the subject is moving (wind), if holding the camera at a weird angle causes arm/back fatigue, or if the elements cause pain/distraction.
John