I think that if you market things right, that people will play your missions. For example, Operation Enduring Freedom. A lot of people want to play it, and it's not even done yet. Yes, the Combat Photography Thread has a lot to do with what people see. it has a 144229 and is one of the only threads that doesn't die.
If mission makers really want their work out there, then you've gotta do what gets attention...
Good luck!
Anton