Seeing Trap E & F are a test of good seeing. OUTSTANDING seeing is being able to also see Trap G, H1, H2 & I ! Then you know you are cooking with gas!!!
Very few people are actually aware of the smaller stars that are also visible in the Trapezium cluster! G, H1, H2 & I are visible from the big smoke too, they don't require a dark sky, some aperture does help, but outstanding seeing s a MUST.
M42 holds sooo many surprises. Quality of both seeing and transparency govern much of this. Your own knowledge of nebulae holds the rest of the key for you to actually "see" what you are looking at. Not understand what is in front of you and you only see half of what it has to offer
From binos through to big dobs, M42 had so much to offer.
Les, I share your pain! Very poor astro conditions for me too
Haven't even been able to do anything with the Moon in weeks as well <sigh>
Alex.