Glad that we could solve one of the issues! As said above by Naru, a simple change of coding may due the trick.
It could also be the texture itself, as Naru has also mentioned. (I'm such a huge help, aren't I?) Certain colors might make that odd appearance y'er getting with y'er preset. I've had no troubles with the mane spikes b'fore, but I also use darker colors f'er the most part. Also, be sure that ye erased along the lines of the original mane texture. If ye cut not 'nuff off, the spikes may look differently than they should. If the spikes are erased in different spots, that could also cause some problems.