Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Chinese Elm Bonsai

Chinese Elm 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. root bound decline from leaving in the same pot too long also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a dedicated display stand at eye level for appreciation which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. miniaturisation of full-grown tree characteristics is visible but muted. winter rest with protection from extreme frost for most species gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.