Pokka, you know what? I think you're right, desaturation indeed appears to have a better feel to it:
Have never really tried using PS to do post-processing other than the usual cropping and sharpening and perhaps a bit of saturation and hue adjustment.
very interesting workflow .. i wonder if it work for subjects in the picture. like a watch or insects perhaps? anyway, i think u did a great job. the original picture was quite bland but after some digital alterations, i think u managed to bring out what u feel. keep shooting(and digital manipulating of course).