How to automate adding contrast without clipping, DNG export?

[platypus (Canon & Mac (Intel and M1))]

@GothicSerpant

I learn through trial and error and I never know if I’m doing something really wrong or really right or something in between lol

Trial and error is the only way to learn. Learning from someone else means that someone else made the errors for you instead

Lightroom to Photolab transfer plugin not working

…your way works perfectly for you, so there is no need to think that it’s “wrong”. If we assume that we want to stay in RAW as long as possible, that PhotoLab provides very good raw development as well as lens and noise correction algorithms and that Lightroom is well suited for asset management, your way is the sensible way to proceed imo.