ColorCalibration and loss of detail

[storyface]

Question for the forum gurus. Here are two images from the same data. The top image has had ColorCalibration applied, and the bottom one has not. Otherwise, they each have a similar workflow. The only thing done before ColorCalibration was Deconvolution and BackgroundNeutralization. After that, for each, there was HDR, ACDNR, Unsharp, Curves, etc.

My question is why does the color calibrated image have so much less detail? Again, it's the same data. I must be doing something wrong. The calibrated version is much more aesthetically pleasing (not to mention accurate), but there is so much more detail in the uncalibrated image. I feel like I shouldn't have to choose. How can I get the best of both worlds?

This is data (53x420s) captured with a Canon 6D (mod.) through an 85mm lens at f/4, stacked and calibrated using the BatchPreprocessing script (flats & bias, no darks) in PI1.8.05.1352. Attaching workflow summary for the top image.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[RickS]

Looks to me like the uncalibrated image has a strong red bias that is removed by ColorCalibration, so that attenuates the large areas of Ha in the image.  You could compromise and blend the two and see if you like that, or you could try blending with a clever mask to preserve the parts you like from both.  Another option would be to build a mask from the red channel by removing stars and black clipping, apply it to the ColorCalibrated image and then play around with some curves, e.g. applying a red boost, tweaking the B and G to get a colour you like and perhaps dropping the L* and/or pulling up the Saturation curve.  So many things you could try

Cheers,
Rick.