I'm sure no offense was intended. A friend of mine, who was unfamiliar with the Matrix toy, had the same reaction when I showed him the picture. Once I pointed out the differences, he was more impressed.
If I didn't have the Matrix toy myself, I probably would have thought the same thing. But since I do have a few from the local Kay-Bee when they clearanced 'em at $6.99, I spotted the changes right off.
I may have to make one myself now...or a variation thereof.
Nice work, bro...although I do think Chewie's right that it looks more Separatist than Republic. A Neimoidian would look killer in there, standing on a crushed AT-RT and a desperate group of clones, in the firefight of their mass-produced lives...
-DD