I would look into Maxscript to solve this. You could look at this script as an example, and expand upon it if needed. http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/max-defaults
what has happened to me a few times is that I had a brush selected that was not capable with spotlight, like for example pinch. I usually paint with the standard brush.
Thanks for the kind words! Yes, It sucks, I skipped a lot of details because of the tight deadline, the connection between the skulls and the pauldron that you guys mentioned is an example.
Here's an example of Topogun in action I'm debating this myself and Topogun to me, is persuading me very well http://www.cgmeetup.net/home/donald-future-modeling-process/
I'd pull back a bit on whatever setting's giving the yellow (whatever that is) ULTRA BLOOM, and Chrisrad's example of "make it brighter" works well. But overall it looks fantastic!
Pixagogo.com is awesome. Here's an example of what you can find: http://www.pixagogo.com/DeicideNBF A classmate of mine showed me that site. It's a freaking gold mine, baby.
Strange to use Zelda as an example, since you literally play as a reincarnated 'hero' chosen by the gods in every game. Dark Souls might be more your milieu.
Is that cavity map baked you gave as an example done in max? Ot almost looks like filtered from a normalmap, like with xnormal in ps, ndo or crazybump.