Peter - I have stewed over...er, I mean, comtemplated your critique for a while, and I first want to say: thank you for taking the time to do such a thorough job. Upon reflection, I agree with almost all of your points.
I will continue working on the piece (hopefully not overly so) and will post again.
And I'll be looking for your

!
Michelle - thanks to you, as well. It's a good lesson to take away - lay in the darks first.
Onward and upward!