reading through this.... I saw most of the "previews" and they indeed displayed PARTS of what was asked for. Azrael had no reason to assume what he wanted was not getting done until the "final" piece was released.
think of a real world example: a house
If someone fails to build half your house, are you still going to pay them full price? Of course not. Yet that's what happened here. YES the artwork is extraordinary and I would totally hire max someday for a few commissions. BUT the OP does have a very valid point in that the final artwork is not what he asked for in the beginning. Like with any good essay on a given topic, interpretation is one thing, entirely omitting requirements is or not reaching the page minimum is another.
just my 2 cents
Contact me in-game might have a project for you just need to get a price-check for the commission ( Oh and I am good for the money dont worry)