I've been through that song and dance before, and nobody came out of it well. A beta, in my book, should really be more of an editor than a glorified spell-checker; they should discuss the themes of the work with the person they're betaing and only seek to change them if they're really not working.

I don't do that.

I don't do that because it's too much like hard work. I don't do that because I'm lazy. I don't do that because nine days out of ten I can barely muster an emotional response to what I'm reading and the tenth I'm trying to think through tar. I am a horrible beta and I cover for it by making jokes and cracking wise at the fic's expense, because even when I can't do what's asked of me I can at least do that.

I urge anyone being a beta, and everyone having their work betaed: take this on board. Think more deeply about your work. I know Iximaz and Skarmory churn out missions like nobody's business, but it's not a competition. Your agents are overworked semi-professional exterminators held together by spit and baling wire; you guys aren't. Take a step back, breathe, and wait for everything to come in. It can only help the process.

And for the love of God, don't be me, but you probably knew that already. =]