You do amazing work. Both the Mercane and Murder Comet are improved. Like you said, the Mercane changes are subtle, but they are better. But, in the case of Zodar, I think the original paint job is more what I would expect for him. It seems more retro sci-fi. It has nothing to do with the quality of your paint job, just the expectations I have in my head.
Disclamer: I prefer black bases, and as such have painted many clear bases black. Pictures of my collection will reflect this, varying from the original way the mini was produced.