The Stardestroyer seen on the top-left of this shot is almost identical, and lasts for approx. the same amount of seconds onscreen (or more), as the one it would replace! It also comes far later in the movie, and seems a superior element.

Alternatively, perhaps you can somehow 'fill-in' some of the dark section that is missing from the 'shadowed' Stardestroyer?

Either way, I reckon it would look a bit better if something could be done to take away from the look of this poorer 'shadowed' one, considering it stays onscreen for so long in 'Empire'....

Just before I go for today Ady - If you haven't got round to any of your proposed 'lens flares' yet, then there's a new 'Winter Sports' program that starts here this Sunday on BBC2 at 11.30 p.m., that seems to be full of great examples! It has 'reflections' on show from the snowy peaks of New Zealand, and might have some nice ones for inspiration for you. Might be worth recording.

I'm hoping to show some 'AT-AT Ground Battle' proposals over the weekend, if I can escape the wife.... ;)