[raymo]

Bo is right, of course, fixing blown out areas is one of the first discrete steps
in processing that needs to be learnt. M42 is great to practice on.
Take the plunge Ben, you'll get lots of guidance. Cometcatcher[Kevin] is
seemingly having a great time displaying his 30sec unguided multi hundred
sub images which show what can be achieved with a basic rig.
raymo

P.S. I prefer The Pillars of Creation upright, as in the famous Hubble image.
P.P.S. I hope keeping you grounded is not discouraging you.
P.P.P.S I prefer larger scale images of M16, makes the pillars more prominent.