There are no rules - just do whatever is comfortable for both of you. A lot of times Julia likes to slowly rub my balls and masterbait me with her hand and then just before I'm ready to come - she places her lips around the head of my penis so she can feel me coming in her mouth. She likes to swallow and dwell there after I've come (control freak I think - HA!!), but I don't think you really have to. Works for us!!
As a guy the biggest turn on is effort, If she is eager to please you it makes communication with her a little easier so i think your off to a good start. I have had blow jobs with and without tongue rings and that didn't much matter to me. If you cant get a lot of his cock down make sure you work his shaft with your hand and press your tongue right below the tip of his penis and rub up and down firmly with your tongue on that spot, and try new things see what he likes. Its a huge turn on when the girl is trying to be creative and you can tell she is into it.
the good thing is that you got him to cum by using your mouth, so he must have liked it. what you can also do is stick your tongue out and press it against the dick and move your head up and down, kinda like a blowjob but with his dick no all the way in your mouth. dunno if that makes sense. also rub your lips all over the dick.
... really? degrading for whom? that's absolutely ridiculous... can't the giver receive satisfaction for invoking pleasure??? I thoroughly enjoy receiving oral... not gonna lie there... but my fourth favorite thing in the world is going down on my wife.
Sorry... my opinion to the original question is good work!! I agree its definitely an effort thing but also the giver has to enjoy it... don't worry about how much you can take or whatever. enjoy him and enjoy yourself... if he doesn't like it then he's not worth it... you've got the trump card there.