If I had been the original poster, I think a bunch of you would have piled on me and told me "that's not acceptable for web viewing, it's not worthy" !!!
Wouldn't it have been better to just leave the camera at the highest native ISO and underexposed it? I got told that a lot too...yet I didn't see where any of you said that. I admit I didn't read every post.
I clearly stated in the original post that it was an experimental shot that was specifically designed to play with highest extended ISO capture. I did my best to control the light, shared with everyone the basic setup and export parameters, and also uploaded the CR2 raw files so the community can chime in. When programs and tweaks were suggested, it was pursued with an open mind. Many of us repeatedly acknowledged it was experimental and a learning tool. And, speaking for myself, I really learned from others in this process.
Isn't that one of the useful purposes of a community such as ours? 
No need to get defensive, my question wasn't directed at you, but rather the people who like to critique. I never thought it was anything other than an experiment, and I read that part...just saying sometimes it seems like criticism isn't always as productive as it could be, or as egalitarian. I don't disagree with most everything suggested, and I am trying to learn also...which is why I asked my second question. Sorry if I shouldn't have posted what I did.
If I had been the original poster, I think a bunch of you would have piled on me and told me "that's not acceptable for web viewing, it's not worthy" !!!
If you were the original poster, we would have accused you of stealing Ray's cat 
Haha, good point! No need, I have my own cat...and no, this is the opposite of the best picture I've shot of him...I may put some better ones in the thread about cat pictures.