Thanks, great suggestion. If I do get completely stuck, and have exhausted all logic, known to me, I will reach out and upload some raw files and darktable or other apps sidecar files, as well as the outcome of my own efforts, and ask for help.
With base curve, my challenges led me to go back to improve my gear and technique. I’d like to confront my challenge with filmic with the same resolve, to see what changes I could make at source, my hunch being the answer may lie in addressing lighting conditions, as well as exposure, as I only shoot with natural light outdoors.
Who knows, maybe filmic is the only “app” that’s telling the truth, while others are telling you what you want to hear, even if its not as accurate…! If I ever get the filmic settings, and my image taking to sync up to outstanding pics, I’ll be back to share these on its forum thread.