Sorry for being so late just jumped back into the forums.
I think you are correct in your assessment. My suggestion is to try more airbrush first and if it doesn't need detail don't add it if it isn't part of your focal point.
Simplify your light sources to two at most, I think that is what you were going for but as a viewer I'm confused. Perhaps change your rim light color hue a bit. If you a have a rim light it still leaves plenty of room for bounce light to add surface detail.
Keep female faces smooth and the viewer will enjoy it more.
Last thing I'll say is the orange in the background is no where else in the character incorporate that color into the character to make your pieces seem more part of the environment.
Keep it up 
Dont be afraid to fix big things even at this stage. It will get easier.
