I agree with you, it can be easy to over do it if you're not careful. If you want to play with it you can download it at
www.photomatix.com for free, it leaves a Photomatix watermark in the image until you pay for the license, but all the functions and features are there. I also play with Gimp a little bit too, which is free period.
I'm posting the links from Facebook and I don't see an option for size anywhere. I'd like it if they could appear smaller on here, any thoughts?