RGB vs LRGB: A Fair Comparison with Equal Integration Time

Most comparisons between RGB and L+RGB data use X hours of RGB versus X + Y hours of LRGB (where Y is the additional number of hours in L). I don't think this makes for a very fair comparison. This comparison uses the same total integration time for each image: 5.5 hours.

Fully edited image available on my Astrobin

In the RGB image, this is 5.5 hours split roughly evenly between R, G, and B. In the LRGB image, 2.5 hours is L and 3 hours is split roughly evenly between R, G, and B. 

Both images were stacked and processed using the same parameters and techniques. The light frames used in the LRGB integration were selected at random — I didn't pick the best frames out of the bunch. Stars have been removed to allow for easier comparison. 

You're welcome to draw your own conclusions, but if you ask me the LRGB image is clearly superior to the RGB image. This demonstrates the benefits of a monochromatic camera vs OSC, even for broadband imaging. (Though do note that an OSC camera also has the downside of bayer interpolation, which reduces sharpness. This is not represented here because both images were taken with a monochromatic camera).