This is where the whole feedback loop comes into play. Unfortunately, the editor is as likely as not to be too busy reading subs to bother with either replying with that information or to even consciously decide what it was that got the story rejected. However, since we're talking requested change, the editor had some thought about it. So perhaps a reasonable and respectable (ask anyone else for details on how to manage that ) question would give you a better idea of how to approach it.

For me, the editing process has always worked best as a discussion. Also, if I'm reading subs on a regular basis, I've likely read 30-300 other works since I asked for that particular change. My focus and perspective are going to be very different today, and I may see that really weird, senseless scene of two weeks ago as the brilliant slapstick it is and merely want you to transition it better so that it provides comic relief without losing me or seeming shoved in there like a Bazooka Joe comic in a fortune cookie.

Yes . . . BUT . . . here's the deal.

Any editor who sends a detailed critique does so for one of two reasons: s/he sees potential worth developing in the work and/or author; OR, s/he is trying to show off. Most don't have time to show off. If we take the time to comment, it's because we think there's something there worth commenting on. Sometimes we may rush through and not be very diplomatic, but our comments are usually meant to enrich the work.

I agree that the poetry markets are more specialized, but I don't think they're quite that intolerant. Especially if you deal first with the general 'literary' journals, as it is my experience that these journals are often edited and published by those who are a bit at odds with the Ivory tower and want a 'people's literature'. Something popular AND with literary quality. It's a bear working through them simply because there are so many markets. And Writers' Market online is not as functional as it used to be.

Let me make another observation from the writer's perspective, again based on my own personal experience.

Concerning two different speculative poems and markets: I actually followed the revision suggestions gven to me by Cathy Buburuz of Champagne Shivers.  I didn't follow the rewrite suggestion made by Crystalwizard.  However, that doesn't mean I have less respect for CW than I do for Cathy Buburuz.  My reasons for either following revision suggestions or sending the piece elsewhere without revision are based solely on what I want to do with each individual piece.

There can be circumstances where an author may decide not to follow through on suggested revisions or rewrites, for many different reasons.

How long is the work that spawned the comment? I have a small chunk of schedule open. Would need both work and comments.

I'll have to warn you though, I merely feel honest today. Not brutal. Just honest. So if it's brutal honesty . . .