You can say that, again! Oh, never mind!

I was just trying to make sure the other kids treat you nice.

Go easy on dsmeltz--he's probably doing the best he can. :)

"filters detract they can't add..."

One could also argue that post processing--or any manipulation to the image coming out of the camera--detracts, not adds to "optimum clarity." And a quality filter is just another optical element--in effect, another lens element. Is a five-element lens inherently inferior to a four-element lens? Multi-coated lenses are just lenses with some anti-glare/flare "filtration" built into the lens, so you are already filtering the image. Everything in front of the sensor (lens, filter, shade) can reduce the amount of post-processing (image manipulation) necessary for a good photograph. If I know an image has been post-processed, can I get over that fact?

I prefer to shoot autumn color in overcast-to-misty conditions, but a polarizer will help in all conditions, especially (as noted) in direct, bright sunny ones. Also, try under-exposing by 1/3 or 2/3 stop or more. Following the basic keep-the-sun-over-your-shoulder rule helps, too
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