In other words, it combines RGB and Lab Color into a single curve, so for this image I was able to use the Lightness curve for contrast and the a* curve for tone, but didn't need to convert to Lab Color first. First, it has the best curves tool I've ever used, with a single dialog that allows you to edit eight separate curves: RGB, Red, Green, Blue, Lightness, Chroma (ab), a* and b*. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of Camera RAW but there are two things I especially like. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I downloaded the new version recently and thought I'd give it another try.
It's a programme I've had for quite a few years but as Camera RAW improved I've used it less and less.
This is quite similar to a shot I posted back in May, but I've posted this one too as I've been experimenting with an alternative RAW processor: Iridient Developer.
