Thanks for the comments. i've learned quite a bit working through the SSS shaders.

I reproduced the red effect around the eyes in Poser 11. So very unlikely that its a Poser issue. I created a graduated mask in Photoshop to deal with the effect around the eyes, to try and stay consistent. I'm quite happy with the results overall. @ghostship2 thanks for your shaders on sharing - they've been very helpful. Each year I make minor improvements that keep adding up. I'd like to figure out hair next...