Hi Mick,
Firstly, apologies for not answering you in my thread as I was on a mission to get my mount hardware sorted and I tend to get tunnel vision.
I've picked up a couple of things along the way that may help you. I also can't see the SCP which makes my polar scope useless. However there are apps available to enable you to get true south at solar noon by using a plum-bob, or a piece of string with a weight on it, and marking the shadow line on the ground where you set-up your tripod.
This is the one I'm going to try.....
http://www.solar-noon.com/ If you get that pretty close I figure it should make drift aligning quicker and easier.
re focusing: I have given up on trying to use my camera's Live View screen and also tried some phone apps to no avail, too small, too dark and too blurry. Use your laptop as there are heaps of camera control apps available for Canon and you may even find a freebie that works. I think I tried four before I found one that worked for Nikon. Backyard EOS seems to be a popular pick for Canon.
I did a lot of research on LP filters and eventually settled on an Optolong UHC Clip-on, however fitting it was not straightforward on my Nikon and I haven't used it so can't comment on it's effectiveness, but it seems to be well regarded by those in the know.
You asked whether I thought your photos were worthwhile. Worthiness is highly subjective and will vary greatly depending on an individual's expectations. I will say that no photo is unworthy if it is used as part of a learning curve and a benchmark for improvement.
Mick, you seem to be heading in the right direction by seeking advice from those more experienced. I keep telling myself that the only dumb question is the one that I don't ask.
PS: I'm sure you are aware of these two apps for planning your shoots.
http://app.photoephemeris.com/ll=-32...840,150.983545
and
http://www.stellarium.org/