As for ticklers, I think the only thing that makes a tickler "better" or "worst" then the others is his or hers, in my opinion anyway, level of sadism.
I agree with this. But only in context for myself. Ler Sadist/ lee Masochist. If someone is too playful... I will get kinda bored. I want my sessions heavy in it's extreme mind games/ prolongment/capture fantasies, etc. Even if it's just 5 minutes. Playful's cute from time to time. (Like in passing... aka say... in the future, when I'm walking around at NEST or something. Even though yes I know permission is always necessary. So, I'll just use my Bf here.) I will go into the kitchen. Sometimes he sneaks up behind me while I'm at the sink. Always makes me smile and laugh.) But... I can't say it's bad. Just doesn't have long term fulfillment. It's too quick.
Long torture.
That is what is truly fulfilling to me.
I want to personally stay way from calling this aspect in terms of bad vs good. I just call it now a person's style. Even though my mind will head in those directions of a "bad tickling vs good." Or... "That was alright". I guess we just have these natural, mental reactions after the tickling is over. We can't help but judge. We will replay what just happened in our minds. Sometimes endlessly if it was good. Sometimes once or twice if it wasn't up to snuff per the desires of the lee. (To understand why it wasn't enjoyed.) It's what humans do. Judge. It's natural. But.. context in discussing what was bad about the session to your play partner, is key.
"Ok.. that was bad... you hurt me".
"That was bad because I felt you humiliated me."
"X or X action was bad because...
"This session was bad for me because..."
(Personally instead of bad I would say "I didn't enjoy that because..." "I didn't like that moment when you did X because...") BAD is offputting and a dark statement. Too heavy. Unless it trully was BAD. Pain, caused sadness etc. Don't throw that word around if you don't have to is what Im saying.
"YOU are a bad tickler." There is nothing to gain from telling someone they are bad. That doesn't inspire someone to learn more about what the lee wants. And if it does... it's probably going to be half hearted. But, most will feel insecure going into the next session. The balance of finding what was good about the session, with the balance of what was distasteful or bad... will go a long way to a more productive experience/ relationship/ hookup.
Your post makes me want to do another thread about the different levels of Sadism. I feel like I have before... but... I'm not sure. *ponders*