Dealing with the low alt and bright sky will always be detrimental to the final result. But the thing to remember is that Jupiter has been experiencing significant change, last apparition with the fading of the SEB and this apparition with the reformation of the SEB.
Any images of these early changes, post Solar Conjunction, are of scientific interest and contribute to the record of the unfolding changes on Jupiter.
It is really satisfying to make a knock out image of any planet when at the zenith in good seeing, however, sometimes when really interesting phenomena are occurring (like right now with Jupiter) we just have to deal with it and do the best we can.
Useful scientific observations can still be gleaned from images that are not of great aesthetic value.
Thanks for the comments everyone. Jason, I'm not sure - I may not be the Tom you are thinking of.
Trevor you make excellent points and I agree. There are times when the only way to view something is during poor conditions and I am all for pushing equipment/viewing limitations to get the most out of the opportunities that arise, especially, as you say, when there are interesting phenomena occurring.
