Very nice report Malcolm. You are unlikely to catch any structural details in NGC 3608 as it is an elliptical galaxy. One thing I struggle with at the eyepiece is scale, but you seem to have this well down pat! Good stuff!
I agree with you re EQ mounted newts being sold as beginners scopes....eq mounts are anything but functional, intiuative and natural for someone starting out
As you say, a good 6-8" dob is the way to go for a beginner. "Natural" movement, large enough to show stuff.
Shame about the DSE once again. I'll bet my life they'll be in action next weekend aswell.
