I think your idea (and Frontline's) of tabletop standard and mine are somewhat different! I've seen all kinds of bad paint, bare plastic, proxies and abominations on the tabletop. Except when the proxies are for Skaven abominations! Then they're probably coke cans or something!!
Seriously, those Thousand Sons are superb. I almost don't know why people would want to go higher than Tabletop if that's the result! The colours are so rich. The blue armour particularly* - I don't know whether it's just the lighting, but it actually looks fantastically blended. It looks so much better than a 'tabletop' standard. You're client should be overjoyed.
If I were to ever get a commission done, I would actually go for Tabletop. I just want the base colours done for me neatly - I can then jazz up the model as I want, when I want - even if I do nothing, they look good, but it'd be a minimum of effort to take them to something spectacular.
Who the hell ever said your highlights were too thick?? I think those Reavers are looking lush. As I said in a previous post, I particularly like the white embellishments on the leader.
Really great work Cav, as always.
*Paint more blue Cav. Your blues are stunning. Tzeentch army FTW!!!