quite a philosopher :D
I guess that when you write a tune only to showcase an ability you have, then it has chances not to be tasteful.
I think that only Bach was good enough to make his studies sound so musical that you can enjoy listening to them, without really knowing what technique is involved in its performance.

I have seen concerts where some guys where clapping only to the difficult licks. Now that's not tasteful.
Have you ever heard how the public reacts to a repetitive lick in a blues solo? It's not because it's hard, but because it builds tension, it gets you involved in the solo, the music. And that's what it's all about.