This is definitely underrated. I agree the gloss is hurting you. Get rid of the gloss, and improve your shading and highlighting just a little and I'd give it a 7.
I think the glossy skin and clothes are knocking you down a bit here - CMON voters tend to be very anti-gloss, and it makes it hard to see the paint work that you have done. The wash on the staff looks a little rough in places.