If he wants to custom then let him, freaking out won't help anything. We should all be calm. :)
Now, to the critic:
1. I do agree that you should try splicing but that is purely your choice.
2. Never save as .jpeg(it kills quality... Bad quality = :( ).
3. Reference some tutorials, other people's sprites, the official sprites, or what ever else to see how to shade. At the moment the shading is very pillowed and lacks detail.
5. He is also very boxy. Look at yourself in the mirror or a picture of someone or anything and notice the curves of the shoulders.
6. Light source. You always need a light source.
7. I know this isn't very detailed but there isn't much to really say seeing as it is completely out-of-style. Just keep trying and practice with smaller things first nd work your way up. You're bound to get better. :)
Edit:
I make so many spelling errors when typing...