Yeah I always think I'll get eliminated as well. But usually the icon I submit is the best I can do and if I get eliminated it is because every one else was simply better than me, so that's fine with me.
But this week's entry I wasn't even satisfied with, I kept fidelling around with it and in the end I just submitted it, because otherwise I would have never stopped. ;)
And I really like your approach, certainly makes sense, to put is away for a few days before perfecting it!