Im with you doug on the Maximdl, it can be a real arse that way when your trying to see what the data is. Nowadays I have that understanding and just screen strech the buggery out of the image to see the faintest data, then move it back to see if i have over exposed! The hardest thing is when you don't have a good SNR for a start (see dark nebs, flux nebs and the like) its nigh on impossible to figure your fuzzies
Good luck logan and I look forward to your first image with the 10+Cooled astro CCD goodness! Im sure you will be pleased with the outcome.