This is SO critical! I know I've done a good job with an effect (be it audio, visual, whatever) when the audience doesn't react at all - as though it was exactly what they were expecting. Great rule here!

EDIT: Finished reading the thread, and Stuart's posts. I'd like to agree - this is a great convo and has evoked a lot of positive discussion! One of the many reason I love this board.
Also - Stuart advocates zoom, heavy manual control and lack of start/middle/end in storylines, implies a LOT of knowledge and can't show us his work; good job guys, you just scared off the senior editor for LOST.