Tom went through 35 revisions of his map, and I have over 85 revisions saved off of my first one. You can make something cool and then show it to people that know what they're talking about. Team 3 is about having other people to show you where you screwed up, and to pat you on the back when you do well. That's a good statement though, Hakai. Team 3 really takes criticism well because we all know it's for the best in the long run.
Nobody takes things personally.
As the design process gets more involving teams will be more and more necessary, just like in the professional level design environment, where teamwork becomes more and more necessary the more complex the project. I think especially with Q3 coming out, and the new possibilities in mapping and game design it will allow you will see many more teams evolving. It doesn't matter how good you think you might be, at some point you need a reality check. This is where a team can re-ignite your pilot light and get you back on track. Where Tomikazi and I work we have lots of group brainstorm sessions.