Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Cherry Blossom Bonsai

Cherry Blossom Bonsai is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of watering daily in summer as bonsai pots dry out fast in the early stages and paid for it. over-wiring causing wire bite scarring on branches also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a seasonal rotation on display when looking its best which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. seasonal change including blossom, foliage colour, and bare winter silhouette is visible but muted. repotting temperate species in early spring before buds break gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.