I agree with you re: the grid. The graticule in your second post makes the map look like it's an orthographic-ish projection (or are you using a different projection / is this meant to be more abstract?) with the north pole tipped slightly toward the viewer, but the grid as drawn doesn't actually show the north pole like I'd expect. The graticule also would imply some pretty severe distortions along the edges, but the continents don't reflect that distortion.