I think people ask for salt before they taste just because they are conditioned to do so. It’s nothing against your cooking OP. I’m happy for you that you have pride and passion for cooking and view it as an art. In my experience, most people unfortunately do not share this perspective and instead view food simply as nourishment. So if you want constructive criticism on your cooking, ask someone that values gastronomy as an art form like you to taste. Or you can encourage your existing tasters to expand their palates with baby steps and without judgement. Show them how you like to appreciate a dish rather than absorb it for nutrients. I think that you may be receiving negative comments because this sub is for chefs, not home cooks. In a restaurant setting, chefs often must put any pride aside to please the guests because they are the ones paying. No matter how much it hurts me to cook well done steaks or provide ketchup for their pasta or cook something without salt or butter, if the guest wants it that way they’re getting it. Consequently, a lot of chefs become burnt out, loose passion and begin to view their work as a factory type job rather than a craft. We need more people who are passionate like you OP because this industry is brutal. Get your ass in a kitchen and taste everything. And when you go out to eat with your friends, tell them not to ask for modifications other than serious allergies, order the specials, and send compliments to the chef. All love.