I totally agree. Working in the field of modeling for several years I have seen a lot of different things that get me going. Im a huge erotic art fan. Nothing better than a giant black and white pic of a hot buff guy misted down with a water bottle to give the illusion of sweat. Some people try to get off the easy way be having them lift an artifical rock or something so that it looks like they are working hard but one thing I have learned is just put them in the actual situation have them lift a real rock and really get the muscles and sweat pumping. Makes it more sexy.

Same thing with the directing. Find out what turns the models on. They are already gay and want the same thing you're going for, By doing this you can get rid of the cheesy acting by letting them go with the flow. Its less rehersed and more realistic. Its what people want to see because it reminds them of when they were that age.

Just my opinion