I would agree with you there. I see the rate the avatar thread as a load of crock. It's basically a "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" affair. Harsh or valid criticisms on an avatar are often avoided entirely out of the sake of friendship, fear of retribution or just not wanting to be "that guy".
But maybe I'm just a killjoy.
The easiest solutions that comes to mind for the upper/lower body transition would be to either use a gradient, add a black line or cheat and cover the transition area with an object or clothing, like a belt for example.
On a related note, you could make the arms a little longer.
Annnnyways-
*snip*