To give you more clarity, here is the image we're trying to capture the vibe of :

Click image for larger version. 

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Note that the walkways are actually whole 'logs', and it's this new 'log' texture that's not quite working out (yet). With more time it probably will though.

As for the grid, it's a combination shadow, multiply and screen. This allows it to stand out on any background, and we custom refit the grid for each map. This process hasn't been done yet (for this map) so the argument is that it doesn't look good on dirt. It's a fair point, but not that important since 1> we haven't retooled it, and 2> it looks better in person. The shadow IS part of the grid though.