What 'Elements' -make a great level?

[geodave]

I think your use of the word "abject" is a little confusing. The only context most of us see (at least in America) of that word is in the phrase "abject poverty". Most of us have no idea what it actually means.

Dictionary.com defines abject thus:

• (of a situation or condition) Extremely bad, unpleasant, and degrading.
  
  
• (of an unhappy state of mind) Experienced to the maximum degree.
  
  

I don't think either of those is what you mean. (I could be wrong.) If what you mean is "apparent to anyone with experience in the field", then maybe you should say that.

Or perhaps you really mean "abstract"?

Anyway, there are "generally accepted" ideas in the gaming community, but what's good (by your own argument), is what's good in your own eyes.