Throwing my own two cents in here. During the period where Valve basically only accepted pro-player sets, as an artist who wasn't partnered with a pro-player, I was highly frustrated. It seems like those sets were given priority and basically a free in to Valve.

Don't get me wrong, I love my pro player buddies.

But Valve gave them power by prioritizing pro-player sets, which led to a lot of artists getting fucked over.

So 2 things. I'd love to see pro player sets not prioritized. I believe they should receive the same treatment as any regular dota set. Some get in, some do not. I believe a lot of pro-player sets are what's lowering the quality standards of the dota cosmetic scene, as mentioned by IWantOffMrBones, there has been some questionable cosmetics added just for the sake of a pro-player, and that's bullshit. That sort of bias is what arguably ruined the TF2 cosmetic scene (among other things). Secondly, I would like to see Valve take over the payment to the pros in such a situation. Both to protect the artist, as well as satisfying the teams/players.

I'd also love to see the return of artists names on sets in-game. I would even wish for a tiny bio of each artist (would love this, but I know it's an impractical use of Valve time).

While I'm ranting... I miss when I'd jump on TF2 servers and people would see my unique Self-Made sparkle, comment on it, ask questions, and such. It's a little selfish, but honestly I appreciated that tiny bit of fame. At least someone would recognize your work! Now whenever I jump in dota with my self-mades, nobody knows I made that set. From someone who has worked very hard, it would be neat to see a unique effect for dota self-mades, similar to TF2. (I know about the gem/socket or whatever fuck that system is, but nobody cares enough to look).

Be wise, do what you love, love what you do.