To the OP:
Really nice shots. I believe the appeal of an image is not defined on an empty theoretical concept about highlights or light blowouts but for the appeal it communicates and the capacity to engage the three participants of the visual experience: the photographer, the image and the observer. When I look at your images I see beauty, balance, colors, light directions, textures; your images convey a sense of equilibrium, harmony, .....hard to describe but they engage the observer. When so many poster agree you did an excellent work it indicates you got results that are appealing to many people, specially people in these forums who have very good training, visual education and graphical experience.