So far it is 1 hour LRGB (4 hour total), definitely need a lot more. The R channel is a lot cleaner than the GB so I don't think collecting colour in the burbs is a good idea
I'd agree with it likely being a balance issue. Was getting FWHM of 3.8" with 150s exposures in the south but 2.5" at 900s while tracking M8 for the rest of the night.
Really not sure what Heathcote is like on a full moon, haven't done it before
I have done remote areas in NT and WA over the full moon and out there it is a LOT better than the burbs. The moon certainly casts a lot of light but there is still so much more that can be seen than on a moonless night in Melbourne.