Don't know why I didn't see this post before Bill.
Great stuff. I like looking for alternatives too. It's what drives me I guess.
Does the eBay shop you bought this webcam from display its characteristics? It looks like it's reasonably light sensitive, and like many cameras available now should perform well down below 1 lux. I'm looking at a Logitech Fusion right now and I can have one from Trickie Dickies, today, for about $90 - which is less that the venerable ToUcam once the ebay seller adds their transport cost.
It's be interesting to see how you go with barlow too....
Cheers
Chris