Using "unstable" Gimp for its 32 bit colors?

When dealing with very high dynamic ranges I start by lowering the dynamic range by making a curve in the shape of the top-left quarter of the “o” symbol. Then it’s a matter of adding back pop into your Squashed-DR image.

My favorite nature photographer Photoshop experts don’t use tone-mapping. Because it usually looks fake. They use luminosity masks. Dig into that. darktable has them.