Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Japanese Maple Bonsai

Japanese Maple 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 repotting every two to three years with root pruning in the early stages and paid for it. drying out and death from missing a day's watering in summer also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a purpose-built outdoor bonsai bench with correct height which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. deeply personal relationship between artist and tree 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.