New mat on the character, 1 light AND GC on, (no change in render settings) worked much better this time...

I have to laugh at the bullshit skin shaders bit, but in seeing the difference in renders I can understand your dislike for them. Personally, and being a content creator myself, I wouldn't blame the creators, that just doesn't seem fair.

NONE of what I have researched or have discovered or what is discussed in this thread is what I would consider common Poser/art knowledge. I could go even further BB and say you have an unfair advantage in this game...

There are 3 kinds of people in the world. Those that can count, and those that can't..