Yeah, all the gradients really killed the color count, as did the logo.
This is nice, the dithering gradient effect works well. 50 colors seems a bit much for the scene and simplicity, but that's all because of the light gradient.
All of the dithering for the lighting/gradient was done by hand in MSPaint, except for the dithering in the sky, which was done by hand in GraphicsGale, using the checkered brush to make it go faster.
The light effect is fully hand made or you used an specific tool?
Anyhow, make me remember about Utena xD
Nice work, i love the background :D