drchasuble - now that is an interesting view...I've always looked at it the other way around...you see, I think that Brad Pitt is technically handsome, inasmuch that his features are classically (and in my opinion boringly) proportioned.
I rate 'good looking' above 'handsome' in that respect. Handsome to me has always had bland connotations, whereas good-looking means there's an element of quirkiness about it.
BTW (and I'm not lying here), I once met Ralphy Boy at a gallery opening (his brother Joseph knew the artist). In real life, Ralph is remarkably good-looking.
His brother however, looks like a squirrel that has been taught to walk upright and strategically shaved.
zimzam...I only hope to God that what you wrote was metaphorical.