Where was I so off on this image that it merited a 29 c-index? Is it that bad or just something that really would not interest anyone?

Alexis, I think it is the awful, neon, bright red colour, of the bridge, most people don't like!
It is much too dominant, on this image!
John

Hi Alexis.
I wouldn't call the shot bad. I'd say that the shot in question has a lot of great elements to it, that were perhaps...under-utilized.

The angle of approach to the bridge is quite dramatic and striking, but too tight to fully appreciate it. The relections in the water,on the opposite bank are nice, but dont have suffient "pop" or contrast. The focus seems a bit soft.

Here's my advice. Reshoot this at a wider angle, encompassing the entire span, (or at least more of)the bridge. Close down your aperture to 11 or so to really sharpen this,and shoot with a tripod, allowing for the longest exposure/lowest ISO possible (100, preferably)

Thanks for the feedback, John. I did not think the red was so offensive but I guess many do. And Rob, your comments are most insightful and I really appreciate your input. You've given me something to work with in future shots. Thank you both!

I feel the angle is too tight for the bridge, but you'll lose the reflections if you pull back at this perspective .. so .. I would suggest, if possible, to look downstream and find an angle that gives you reflections and shade (maybe), in the foreground, with the bridge in the distance

I think the trees and rocks are a little washed out .. but saturating them will, maybe, overamp your red .. (you could create a mask for the bridge and mute it a bit) ..

if you are a 'purist', and you don't believe in manipulation of the image, then I would shoot at a different time of day ..

you could also experiment with Phil's Faking the HDR thing...

Keith, again very good suggestions, much appreciated. I need a new pair of chest waders anyway, so I'm off down river! Really, thanks so much for your input.