Believe it or not, I do my best to read each and every post on the forum.
If I feel the thread needs a bump, I make it so...
Yes, sometimes threads do indeed go to where threads go to die, but not in this case.
What, you only read 2000 of my posts?
What gives brother?
I don't think it's like saying "your photographs would be much better if only I were a better photographer," because the tracks you cut sound just fine.
IMO, they need a better balance, so the instruments and vocal can sit better in the mix.
A little EQ and some compression and you got exactly what you were looking for.
I totally understand where you're coming from with regard to not listening objectively enough.
I'm the same way, but I always think I can do better; I mean it never sounds right when I'm working on stuff.
I need to separate myself from the project to actually get a true objective view point.
As you know, getting your mixing environment set up right is extremely important.
I would work on getting your control room totally buttoned up before you make any critical mix decisions.
All the best!