The problem with your other image was that the blues were so intense it bore little relation to the sort of colour palette you'd expect to find in reality. The colours in this image resemble the pinks you sometimes see on a misty dawn. But back to the other image - I do not recall ever seeing vibrant blue mist either in real life or looking at a photo.

1. It doesn't look UN-natural. In fact I can well imagine the scene looking like this.
2. No it doesn't matter. But I do think that for traditional landscape photography, while it doesn't matter if the photo is slavishly faithful to the scene as recorded, there are limits as to what most people will accept as 'natural' and if you push too far it can be off putting for many people. Whether that's your problem as a photographer or their problem is another matter...

I have read comments by photographers who have 'toned down' colours which they swear were recorded accurately, but which they knew would overwhelm their image or create an impression of artificiality.

I've got to be honest - slightly better pixel-level sharpness is nice, but it I am not sure whether it would have a massive impact on prints unless you crop excessively or print poster size. In a world where camera buyers pixel peep before they buy, the K5IIs is a smart move though. And Pentax have cleverly charged a premium for what will presumably be a cost-neutral feature!

The K5ii has the same sensor. It is the K5iis that lacks an AA filter. It really does look a bit sharper.

I can't speak for everyone but for me it's tongue in cheek, as if we are in competition with 'those guys'

We used to have a regular 'PP' challenge. I can't remember any particular software having much influence on who won, so much as the skill and taste of the photographer. Which is exactly as you'd expect.

PentaxForums.

Cos it probably involves ditching Pentax altogether. And such talk is strictly verboten

Excuse me Clare, but I find comments like 'it's bull' a bit unnecessary.

As far as the question about whether our eyes (or brains!) correct colour perception - of course they do. Do you perceive tungsten light as yellow in colour? Course not, but your camera will unless you make a correction to the WB.

David is entitled to edit the scene according to his own recollection and artistic intent, but I'm also entitled to point out that it does not look natural.

I also have some samples with this lens here. It's worth every penny of the asking price. https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/birmingham-artsfest-30400