Wonderful advice from all of you, as always. Yes, I think my expectations are all over the place - I knew what to expect out of Orion neb b/c I saw it last weekend through an 8". However, I think proper collimation, cleaning the mirrors when I learn how, and a couple of high quality eyepieces will significantly enhance the experience.
While I should post the following in observations, I managed to see not only Orion, but also what appeared to be a globular cluster in the southeast (phenomenal) and I spotted Saturn at 10mm focal length. Really enjoyable, all of it.
Spanrz and others: yes I did see the youtube vid - you mean the one on laser collimation? Was helpful. I am hearing that I need a 2x barlow to properly laser collimate and will get that asap - which will nicely double my meagre eyepiece collection too. A 5mm EP and a wide FOV EP will be the next purchases on the cards. Filters (including moon filter) can wait a little bit.
Warm regards eveyrone!
- DSb
p.s. Spanrz - there is a full article in the current AS&T about catching the horsehead - worth checking out. Apparently a very hard target, and not very detailed at even 10 or 12" apertures. Let me know what you think if you read the article.
Thanks again for all the support. I am learning tonnes already and I am sure I'll be sailing along in the next couple of weeks.