If the custom cage mesh has only modified it's vertices based on an averaged vertex normal, then the cage has what the averaged normals tick box would do built into the mesh already.
Thanks mystichobo! I overlooked one of the cage vertices - turns out that I accidentally moved it at some point. I like it when the solution is easy. :)
Topology seems really bad here, and the face depth is way too far out. Try to follow the landmarks of the face, and put the vertices where they should be.
Do a unitize, select all edges then move and sew and then do an unfold constrained to vertical or horizontal depending on how they're oriented to get the ratio right.
The chest harness could stand to be much larger and heftier. The head seems to be more scrunched vertically than you have it in the 3D render. Good start
The comments from the lecturer being that his abs were too straight vertically and that the shin should have a subtle convex curve before it reaches the foot
I'd probably upscale trees a lot to change the vertical composition and add few bushes around, this gate makes everything else look squished and compacted.