Ok is this better? I've added atmosphere to the Temple, and the background mountains.
Calactyte, I feel that with the final addition of the original dragons, all the background elements are perfect now (with the exception of the mountains that will be replaced anyway). The only thing I'd change is the column flame, which should be smaller IMO to increase the depth in the stage. Other than that, I don't think any more parts of the stage need changes.
However, the biggest issue with this stage I feel has always been and still is the color/lighting/tone. I know that you consider realism boring, and I'm not sure what to make of that actually. I understand you might want a more surreal look, but realism can certainly be just as exciting. I honestly think we need more balance between realism and surrealism - ideally, it should look like a spectacular photo IMO. At the moment though, and I hope I'm not being too harsh, the stage looks both very odd to me and not what I'd expect in an MK game either. And while the original was composited and has its flaws, its style is definitely not as extreme as this version. It still has a balance that I can't find here.
The main issue for me is that, regardless of style, the different elements don't seem to match. To give a few examples - the color of the sky and the color of the clouds don't match each other or the stage, the contrast of the buddha looks like it's been stripped away leaving a flat image which doesn't match the elements around it, and the path still looks like it's from an overcast day despite all other elements suggesting the opposite.
Anyway, I know this is difficult work and I know how much time you've put into it - like I said, the background designs look complete to me, but unfortunately the color or tone of the stage is not the end result I'd like to see. If I were in your position, I'd take a break from this stage and work on Courtyard instead, then come back to this one with fresh eyes. I always find that helpful personally and you might too.
Otherwise, I have suggested before that I'd love to have a try at your PSD and show you my interpretation of it - I hope you don't take offense to this, and I can understand being protective of work. But I thought I'd bring this up again in case you were willing to allow me to experiment with it. Please let me know your thoughts on this, thanks.