Redman -
Nice to see another body getting involved in XBMC skinning, new contributions are always welcomed and generally supported pretty well aroud here. A lot of the current skinners who now turn out the really nice skins we have and love today, generally started out like you have, by modifying an existing skin, playing around with it a bit, changing this and that, and sometimes changing it beyond recognition. This is a great way to learn the skins and xml, and you have done nothing wrong by doing this, in fact, you would probably find this is the exact method fellow skinners would encourage you to use.
We do have a little netiquette around here tho, and it would appear you have fallen a little short on that score. We are generally a friendly bunch, and a little pm here and there and you will find images are usually quite happily shared and good advice and encouragement given. And if ever any customised or lifted material is used, a few credits in the post and people would be cool Im sure.
Maybe if you wish to continue using others images, a pm to whoever created those images may still be appropriate, and im sure they may be understanding if u point out ur new round here! ;-)
Nezahaulcoyote -
dont u feel just a little embarrased? that is about as much response as you can possibly be worth.