Raytracing is more impressive to n00bz... its like the first thing a n00b does in photoshop is put lens flares all over that place.
I think raytracing should only be used to emphasize a texture set. Right now the only thing awesome about this picture is the head, and I think raytracing actually diminishes the texture, like glosses it over.
Also, maybe the wrists should be contracted to look more like fists if that's what youre going for