First off, if you are using the liquify brush then you are one of the best in the game. Crisp work, mate.
I hate to say this, but the wait was worth it. I genuinely loved reading this. 2000+ words of pure entertainment.
Not saying your pain and IRL struggles are entertainment, but you know...
Also,
nice post.
I've been using Krita to produce my stuff for quite a few years now. Not sure if that suite even has a liquify brush. I mainly place whatever colors I want, utilize several independent transparent layers, shape it like clay at times, or shade with the airbrush.
Krita does have liquify but apparently you do excellent without it. I was using gimp until now but I think I'll take a shot at Krita. Found solid reviews on it.
Krita is quite capable. I don't even use it to its full potential either. I like that it's free and open source. I also like (I actually read the fine print) anything created on it can be used commercially, for profit, no strings attached.