Thanks, all, for the compliments!
Okay, Rafal, now you and I can get into the nitty gritty.
The gray is not the recommended Reefer Gray, but rather the Lark Dark Gray that is present in some of the paint up color lists. When a darker green is used for the cheeks, the Lark Dark Gray works fine. But since my green is so much lighter, it REALLY makes the gray color have too much of a contrast. I noticed that immediately. I'm looking into getting a bottle of the Reefer Gray, and I may attempt to redo that section. That's why I only did the lower cheeks.
I am happy to try a new mix for the cheeks and dome, but honestly, I'm nervous to do so (this IS an FPH2), but I'm confident in my eye, and although I don't expect to change the game, it is fun to go in a different direction.