MtnMan wrote:
That said, I do find certain images more attractive in B&W, such as pictures of lined faces of rugged individuals. But those exceptions are much less often than I see people thinking that B&W somehow makes them more artsy.
I think the request to see the original may be tied to what MtnMan said, some people like to see what you started with, so in their minds they can judge if the enhancements worked or to see/decide if they agree with what was done. Sometimes its fun to see before and after (this also includes color enhancements)