I find the KRST an interesting option. Can you elaborate on this technique for the shadows? How long do you leave the solution on the shadows? Is there an after wash/treatment involved?
I am very much of the opinion that a print rarely needs to show the maximum black that the paper can produce. Rather I believe that the blacks should be no darker than is necessary to convey the spirit of the photographer's intentions.
Many time photography is compared to music. Would you fault a piano piece simple because it did not use all of the bass notes or would you listen and respond?