As realistic an image as possible even if it lacks impact.
An impactful image that will make people go wow, irrespective of its 'trueness'.
An artistic represenations with wistful beauty...
Well a combination of most of those would be nice. To be honest however, I want an image I like - after the time spent getting data, stacking and processing this needs to be my photo.
So what tools do I use, well a variety, as I look for solutions to each part of processing. Astropixel processor for stacking, croping and removing light pollution; mostly PixInsight for processing, but Star Tools for Galaxies (as it works well for me, and as you will see - I test in Star tools first to see if the data stands up); Denoising & shapening with Topaz Utilities; final tweaking in Affinity Photo.
That said I'm no expert in any one program, in the end I will take short cuts as I'm more of a photographer than I am a processor.
I have sat here for a few days looking at the Sadr region I processed in twenty minutes in with Star Tools, compared to one I produced with PixInsight in half a day. Very different images, but I like the Star Tools image better as a photographer, to me it is more intersting.
Feel free to discuss your methods or feeling on this subject, as I would be interested in a range of opinions.
Sadr_region_RGB_EZ_GHS2_2 by Tony Boutle, on Flickr
Star Tools (Optimised HDR)
Sadr region ST RGB by Tony Boutle, on Flickr