OK, but exposing for the shadows while not overexposing the bright areas is what tone mapping does. When tone mapping is enabled, it is impossible to blow the highlights. In fact, it is nearly impossible to reach 255 with tone mapping on, unless you mess with the gain. Which I do.

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Renderosity forum reply notifications are wonky. If I read a follow-up in a thread, but I don't myself reply, then notifications no longer happen AT ALL on that thread. So if I seem to be ignoring a question, that's why. (Updated September 23, 2019)