Guy,
I think this worked, but honestly, I would think its utility to be marginal. Not saying you did not do your best part, just that even with all the pixels and ability to print large, this type of shot would not merit that consideration in my book. Again, not your lack of trying....just the overall result would limit its use. Now, if this is the only shot of this special speaker or something, then you got it, and that is all that matters.
To me, this seems like the perfect setting for a DSLR that has higher ISO capabilities. I know, I know, you would prefer to work with just one system, and I am with you on that part. But to take advantage of overall image use, it would need more DOF to get the podium (maybe), so f4-5.6 might not be out of the need zone here. I personally like the more isolated, shallow DOF myself, but just thinking about how the image might be used. So, going to ISO 1600 would give you one more stop, and that would help if it was clean (very low noise), but the 35mm DSLR shooting at ISO 1600, but f4 or 5.6 would probably yield a bit better shot....not as many overall pixels maybe, but something that would still hold its own for use. Just my opinion here. I love seeing the boundaries pushed and the "knowns" challenged, so keep after it.
LJ