Don't know that I have a preference, they're all about even to me. You should try changing up your fonts a bit. They seem to blend in too much... not that they're unreadable but there's definitaly something about 'em that I don't think suits 'em. But I think you're off to a good start anyways ;).
Does it REALLY matter whether he has a friend collaborating with him or not?? If he does, so what... if he doesn't, so what (and he just made 700k :P). Just make your decision based on what appeals to you more, not because your friends with them. I'm waiting for Tainted's work before I say anything.
I agree, and I also like GreatSilverWyrm's works. And although I realize that pixel sigs are 100% effort, I just really don't like the look of 'em at all :P. But hey, as Vladmoney said, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" ;).
http://www.sxc.hu/ (guess I should mention you need to sign up for this one (free to sign up I believe) but it's a pretty good site). http://www.freeimages.co.uk/ http://www.morguefile.com/ http://www.photostogo.com/default.asp http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&ie=UT ... otos&meta=