Nate don't ever be worried about holding back when it comes to critiquing. If I didn't value your advice I'd just ignore it anyway
OK you're not the only one to be thinking the torso is too tall. I too identified it but am not sure by how much I want to reduce the height. I think 1/3 would be far too much but perhaps as much as 1/4 would be in the ball park. I'll probably hack at it over the weekend until I'm happy. Indeed going too much shorter will give issues fitting the cockpit in.
I should point out (and I'm sure we have discussed this in the past) that I find that the main mecha proportional aesthetic I enjoy is something I dub the "footballer". Basically the exaggerated (cartoon) form of an American football player: short, stocky legs, big, wide torso, hunched back and pin head. Obviously the short legs isn't happening here as these legs are quite long, however I do want to go for the wide torso/hunchback/pinhead style.
On to the feet. You know I hadn't noticed it until you mentioned it now, but yes the feet are probably smaller than optimal. It actually depends on the angle they're being viewed from - from front angles IMO they look fine, whereas rear angles do feel a little small. Perhaps that lends some weight to your suggestion of just modifying the rear toes. My concern though is that I did play around with longer rear toe sizes early on and could never come up with anything I liked much.
In terms of imaginary stability, I figure the mech has active stabilising systems which keep it upright during normal operation. Perhaps the reason for the tie downs around the place is that once it's powered down (transport or storage) it needs to be locked in place to remain somewhat upright...
Actual model stability has never been a concern to me, as I had expected from the start that it would be mounted to a base (be it a gaming base or diorama). In really neutral poses it will balance on its feet ok, but if any interesting pose is to be achieved then it needs to be based, pure and simple.
If you wanted to graphically suggest an improved rear toe setup I'd be more than happy to consider it (nudge, nudge). The front toe and middle of the foot have a lot of work invested in them and I really don't want to modify them (or at this stage feel the need to).
Thanks for your feedback man, it's really appreciated!
Oh yeah I can make that....