As an author, I will recommend books rather than give a rating. Naturally I can be more critical with a rating so I try to stay clear of that territory. Regardless of how I felt about a book I know the author did their best. And I respect their efforts.

I have noticed that ratings can be so fickle. Sometimes I'll read a book with low ratings and it's good. Then on the flip side I'll read a book with hundreds of shooting star ratings that didn't deliver. I'm convinced it's not about the ratings at all, it's about the audience. There's an audience for every book, finding the right one...now that's tricky.:)