If I don't like it for what ever reason I don't post unless they specifically ask for it. If something is obviously wrong I think a pm is thing to do. If the guy decides it needs to be fixed he should be able to let the maker have a chance to rectify it before he gets outed.
I wonder if maybe having a sticky made on what to look for when you're having a custom done. Something that will educate the uneducated as to what you should expect and to be able to convey that in their conversation with the maker.
I know in my business it is paramount that I not only know what the client wants but that I am capable of performing the task to their standards and expectations. This is all done with emails and pics of my work etc... Everything is documented and there for we are both protected in case I misunderstood or they did its all there.
I am currently having a custom made and it is nothing like what I wanted when I first started shaving with a straight. Balance and usability far out weighed any aesthetics, only because I developed a much narrower idea of what kind of razor I like. That being said I went with a reputable and well experienced smith. The only reason I was able to make better decisions than I would have is all the shared experience on SRP.
With that all being said if you're not willing to arm yourself with as much information and experience that is available I don't really feel sorry for you if you get a custom and it isn't usable because A) you didn't take the time to actually figure out what works and design accordingly B) confirmed with people here whether through pm or thread if the smith you are looking at using is worth a crap.
It's much easier to ask before it's made if your design will be easy to shave with and if the smith is up to the task.
Require a narrow even bevel, a good HT, an edge that is parallel to both sides of the spine, etc...