I agree with you about not everyone being able to, because lets face it, some folks just don't see the flaws. Thats ok. But, most of us do and we want to improve. Wow factor can be achieved on simple items with no embellishment as well. Ive seen basic knife sheaths so clean I've said to myself, "well shit." Back to the drawing board. If a person picks one thing to get better at, over time these things all combine to make a fine piece.
Don't sell yourself short. You can have a goal of affordable items, but that doesn't mean they have to be poorly made. Price is up to you, and I admire the fact you want people to have your cane in their hand. Kudos to you. Nice looking and simple is a good combo and it applies to leatherwork as well.
Anyway ,the whole point of this post is specifically that things DON'T have to be perfect to earn a wow. Thats the beauty of making things with our hands.