Yes, Chris, fair enough.... you got me...... HDR can work very well, in moderation - probably as well as the layer-blending method once the user has got plenty of practice, not pushed for too much and, of course, from at least three exposures, preferably more. Maybe I got a bit bored with the same old cartoon look - often seen on the work of people just getting started with it.
By the way, a local photographer here in Canada does the
'layer-blend' method...... quite good stuff.