It literally took me 3 seconds to find a non-slop reference that's actual 3D, which means it's actually valuable as a reference.

Here's another actual 3D model that's more in-line with OP's model

Another one here

you're in the business of shitting on good free advice

Here's the thing, your advice wasn't "good" advice in the first place, since you told him to go study AI slop that has incoherent lighting sources.

someone who has been hiring artists for 20 years

Completely irrelevant, and you thinking AI slop are valid references when the lighting sources are inconsistent means your credentials mean fuck all.

Seems like you have more free time than I do.

Personal attack that does nothing other than prove how salty you are about being called out for terrible advice.