Burst Bubble.... Iimagination in Imagery

Well I have finally discovered that a particular image by a MN Photographer with global recognition is far from what the 'scene' is in 'real life'

The image is truly amazing and indeed very marketable... and is hanging proudly on many a gallery wall...

I have actually visited the very area - found the very tree featured in this image - and was perplexed, left wondering - is this the 'spot'???

Well yesterday I found a fellow lensman had the exact same questions as I, and went to same place as I... He did a forensic photographic examination of this 'image' to find that it was infact imaginative imagery and not a 'photograph' (my words)

needless to say my bubble burst....

here are some photos of the crow hassan park reserve i took...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/iggyweb/sets/72157630543529298/

here is the link to this analysis...

http://joemamerphotography.blogspot.com/2009/08/photoshop-by-jim-brandenburg.html

what is the general consensus on 'making up images' to make them marketable or simply more presentable?

where does the line blur or cross?

lastly, i have very basic post processing skills - never really felt a need to develope them - this 'image' clearly shows there is a time and place to use finely honed post processing skills

many thanks