Those shots are cool Ross. I agree, you can get quite decent results from relatively basic equipment.
If i were you i would definitely set the etx up in equatorial mode mate.
I don't even know how to polar align yet, never felt the need as i have no drive motors
I just plonk the mount down roughly where i think south is
One more thing to put on the to-do list if i ever get a good mount.
Please post results if you do set it up mate