I think proportions is an issue as well. ehehe Its something I really need to work on I think! 

I am happy to hear that for  once Dithering worked for me (I usually pillow shade horrible I think orz) I see what you mean on the waist, actually my poportions on this is really messed up ahaha. Originally I was going for deformed style, but I think i forgot that mid way ;_;

Dither doesn't seem to be the enemy in this piece, but rather proportions as hannahjap said; although my issue is more with the tiny shins/feet than the waist. 

Great stuff. The dithering works very well for this piece, actually. It makes the armour pop. I think she might need a bit more waist, proportions-wise, but yeah, this is gorgeous. :)