Woo, that was a lot of reading. (especially Pyreite, Freya and naqaashi)
I don't think there is much more to say after all that has been said. I agree with all of it, but I do sympathize as well. Every writer starts from a rough spot, and it's commonly said that a published author's first story is frequently their worst.
The issue with a filter is that you're celebrating well-written fics by excluding poorer ones. To a lesser degree, this already happens with awards, but in a positive way. There's something in your face about a filter.
So here's a rundown of ways to find a good story (a compiled list of what's already been said)
Recommendations on the forum
Searching for a fic on the forum
"S/K Stories that got you hooked" on the forum
"Unforgettable Linens in Fanfiction on the forum (still funny
)
"Your First S/K fic" on the forum
Previous award winners and nominees
Favorite stories of authors on FF.Net
And I love you guys
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