Just forget making every background perfect and go with the 'rough background' style you've got going now. I am saying this because for a project of this scope you'll need so many assets, it's best to finish it than not to finish it.
This is probably one of the biggest reasons why I've considered taking on extra help from someone more qualified to do that kind of work. But I'm not well known enough in the art community, and I'm not able to pay anyone, so it would have to be interest based only. And obviously I have a specific kind of vision for the project, so it'd be hard to find someone to match what I have in mind.
But yeah, for now these will do while I work out story and animation issues. I at least feel like I'm improving, which is good.
The responses I especially love getting back are the ones about what it reminds you of. I've heard almost all of my biggest influences come back at me, and it's nice to know it shows in the work. I'm referring to your answer Rargh!, Nightmare before Christmas and Spirited away (and in some stronger sense Howl's moving castle) all definitely had an impact on me, and it's cool to know that those influences are reflected in my work.