Nice to see you found a solution Rich :)

Yes, the way your switch reacts are what is to be expected (you handle the image at its full potential while seeing it as you want your final comp to look like. So all is fine, and it's the correct way of handling stuff.
I have no clue yet for the cloud mask but if I "tumble" onto something, I will let you know :)

The gamma unawarness is really a sad thing, a lot of people are talented and have their image ruined by the harsh shades transition. That's probably why the introduction of a good handling of it in vue is such a major improvement in my opinion.