I'm not in love with the grain, but I do love that some of it is a bit overexposed. I'd like to see you push that even farther. But then, I'm someone who likes pretty high contrasty things. Great idea here!
I'm writing this rather late, but I wanted to let you know that I thought that this should *easily* have been in the top 10.. in a perfect world :) However, I know as well as anyone how a person can get crucified for trying to be different.
I loved this photo however, and still do. It's got a great mood, and the grainy look was perfect.
I like the "grainy" effect (wanted or not). The color is interesting too. Would be better w/out the yellow spot in the left-bottom side and w/out the overexposed areas on the fingers. Good idea!