Forlorn Warrior

Wow, OK first of all lets get to the problems that I see. The foot: tough one to do, but I think a bit darker shading to the rear and it would have brought out the front a bit more. The armor and cloak: not enough depth to them. The knife and bands going across his chest seem flat, again perhaps a bit darker shading and you would be good to go. Now with that said, you do mention having a bad scanner so that may be part of the issue in the way it translated the contrast.
Now for the good stuff. That little bit of chain mail is perfect. That shading that you have there is just enough to give it the 3D effect you were going for. That is what I mean above.
The facial expression is great, and captures a real look.
Overall a very well done picture and other than my minor nitpicky things, is perfect.