Well, mixed bag. While I don't find them boring or bland I appreciate photography is such a personal thing. I do appreciate everyone taking time to leave feedback.
I do have a couple of things I'd like to point out.
To me the foreground is more important than the sky, so I purposely have the horizon above half way. However, the sun which is an integral part of the pictures doesn't want to be squashed against an edge. In addition, in #1 the curve of the chain is an integral part of the image, as is the reflection.While in #2 there is a curve in the sand which mimics the shape of the chain. All these elements need a bit room to breath, in my opinion. The third was taking a chance. I can see why people think there may be too much going on
Secondly lens flare and starbursts are properties of a lens just as is bokeh, so in this case talk of Topaz and fake light bursts are way off the mark. Shooting into the light, rather than facing the other way, is very often much more interesting and that was certainly the case here.