Mr B bought me a mug for Christmas that says Keep Calm and Stop Carrying On -- I might need an icon ...

I agree that an effort is an act of good faith. I don't think it is the sole criterion of good writing, as there is plenty of badfic that has been beautifully Britpicked, but it is about getting into the head of the characters and stretching your writing. It does reassure me that the writer is not lazy, too. Which in itself is enough to encourage the prospective reader!