Rating value and criteria for "Look" value

If the beer looks like the ideal for that style as described by BJCP guidelines, I give it a 5 (that is rare). I usually wait a bit and a few sips into the beer to give it a rating on appearance. I'm looking at head retention, lacing on the glass, and whether the haze is just chill haze from heavy hopping or due to poor brewing practices.

Some styles you expect a permanent haze on (weizens, wits, NEIPAs). Chill haze is acceptable on some others (anything heavily hopped).

Stouts are tough as most that aren't legacy are so dark as to be almost opaque. What do you see in the edges when you hold the glass up to the light, though? Clear dark ruby on the edges, with excellent head retention and rings of lace to show every sip? That's a 5.

Chill haze is a thing. You have to let a beer warm to see if it clears with time.

You also have to take acidity and ABV into account. Sours tend to not have great retention or lace due to acids breaking down proteins. High ABV does a similar thing.