You asked for feedback and they gave it. Why so defensive when you yourself asked for it?
And since you asked for it, I'll agree, clipped thumb and selective color don't work here (and yes, I have occasionally used selective color in ways I think work). I think the ideas has potential but needs work. Take someone along and have them hold the rock. That will leave you free to work the angle a little better. Right now it feels to me like one of those where you take your camera, turn it around an take a self-picture at arms-length while you and your best friend are trying to crowd close enough to both get in the frame and yet someone still ends up with only one ear.