very interesting take, I like it.
Something that has sprung to mind since my last comment that I've noticed on my drawing, is that it's the particular details chosen to include that make all the difference.
I was doing a top down view of a car, and had a basic shape but once I added mirrors, windows and lights, it suddenly really looked like a car, as opposed to a 5 year olds attempt at a car. If I could remember where I put it, I'd scan it and post it...but you get my point, you don't necessarily need lots of detail, but the right detail makes a lot of difference.