Doug,
I really like the first image. The scale is just right. I see what you mean by having too many stars in the image. They get in the way of the nebulas. But, hey, they're there, and, they're there to be imaged.
Also, I want to know what the odd-shaped blue reflection nebula is on the right there? It's the only one not labelled in your larger image.
Also, I understand completely what you mean by getting comments on your work. It can be frustrating at the best of times. I often wonder why I bother posting my terrestrial work here. I'll wait until my web site is complete and then go spam terrestrial imaging sites.
Keep up the great work and inspirational images.
Regards,
Humayun