Hi Louie,
I am going to throw my 2 cents worth in because you asked me too
I figured it was a pointless exercise because my knowledge of astrophotography can be written on a postage stamp with a spray gun but here goes and you also asked me to say what I think and not hold back.
I may not know much about taking these pics but I have seen a lot of rippers of this target taken by some of the worlds best amateurs. Consequently remember I am comparing your work to "the best of the best" and in short your image is very good.
My thoughts:
"you are very close" but something is missing and I don't quite know what. I know its a small aperture scope, but maybe you needed more shots or longer shots or the the light pollution has affected you or a combination of all of those things. A few experienced guys have had a crack at re-processing the thing and the image to me in "every case" looks "over processed" and the colours a little false and "forced" so to speak. What is causing this I don't know. I think it could have a lot to do with you getting used to your new scope and camera, your almost there and the important things like tracking etc are obvioulsy fine, I think its a case of fiddling with the variables and you well end up with something sensational
FWIW Here is an image from a friend of mine in the USA Kevin Dixon. Remember that Kevin is very experienced and has a lot of $$$$ worth of toys
http://www.kevindixon.westhost.com/M42-narrow_band.htm
CS-John B