I can't see getting that amount of detail on film using a 12" scope. Maybe in a 36".
Processing style is a matter of personal preference. I remember seeing an image of M42 processed like this from the Lick Observatory I think it was once.
Also after staring at the computer screen for hours on end it's hard to know when to stop and when to keep going. Sometimes I keep a "base sample" pic along side as reference to keep processing similar to previous shots.
Personally I'm not a big fan of Noiseware. I'd rather see a bit of noise than the smearing effect it gives. But that's just me.
In all though it's a wonderful shot. I'd be really happy with a piccy half as good.
