I think your answer is in your post. A mount that looks natural and alive would probably have to be at the top of the list. Next, I would say how the cape looks. This may even be the first one. if your cape looks all matted and folded in places it doesn't matter how it is posed, this will completely destroy everything. Also, the quality of the painting of the face. I'm sure there are a few others if anyone want to add to the list.

I did a quick google search and there is a lot out there on bad taxidermy mounts.  I just grabbed one pic to share.  Cats, from what I hear are some of the hardest animals to do right.  Here has to be one of the worst out there.

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That is definitely one bad looking mount. It is so bad maybe it can be used as one of those comedy mounts you see sometimes on TV. Maybe I will try and look up some bad whitetail mounts and post them.

Yes, i have heard the same about birds, that they are very difficult to do.  From what i've heard, some taxidermist don't like doing birds so I would make sure I got one that specializes in it.  Turkeys are hard too, but when done properly are some of the coolest mounts out there, especially the flying mounts.

I really like the pedistal mount style. Elkkill...you have quiet the collection of mounts there...I must say I am jealous.

I try to pick different mounts for each animal.  BUT, more importantly than that, I look for a place that I'm going to hang the animal and I choose a mount that will look best in that spot.  We only have so much room to hang animals and we need to put them in such a way as to show them off best. 

When we built our new home six years ago, I picked a room that I was going to hang my mounts.  I then was careful to make enough space on each wall for the mounts.  In addition to that, I had lighting placed in the ceiling that was directional.  I could actually turn the lights to highlight an animal.  I didn't put enough of them in, but it sure makes a difference.  I also learned some things about those lights that I wish I'd known before building the house.  Put them farther away so the light has a chance to expand a bit.

I also made the ceilings in my house 10 feet tall to accommodate my animals.  That way you can put a larger animal up without the bottom of the mount almost on the floor.  I've seen animals on the wall where you could not get anywhere near the animal because there wasn't enough room under it.  That wastes too much space in your room.

Also, if you get the chance, do one or two of your mounts on a pedestal.  They look really great and they are also movable.  Good pedestals will cost you a couple hundred bucks but I made my own.  It fits my room better and cost me a lot less.  It has travertine sides and a marble top.  Sure shows off the trophy.

Yes, it's a good idea to change the style of your mounts.  Not only because of looks but because of placement in your room.