You say
Just one other point: what's "the original scene" got to do with it?
Is it not possible that the 'original scene', including the way it was lit, may
have influenced the photographer to push the button in the first place ? And
that the photographer may have wished to preserve those qualities of light seen
at the time. There is no obligation but it is an option.
As to silver gelatine prints in galleries, they are often disappointing.
Reproductions in books are often far more pleasing,
I remember a Brandt exhibition of' camera ready prints' that were covered in
knife marks and Snopake. They were interesting as a demonstration of how prints
are prepared for publication.
Once Peter Marshall wrote in the visitors book at the 'Photographers' Gallery',
' I do not see why you have hung these as the prints in the book are far
better.' Not something to endear one to the curators, but he was undoubtedly
right.
Terry