DF Shadow said:
I guess the most simple way to go about that is simply push it back into the distance so it is less prominent. The "less is more idea".

Having looked at that shot in motion again, I guess it's not a biggie in any way. It's just something that always seems to overwhelming distract me from everything else that is going on in that brief shot, due to the fact it has a slightly 'rising upwards' movement.

That's certainly an interesting idea you've proposed, but now that I know it was actually an original Ralph McQuarrie element anyway, I've decided it's not going to bug me so much in the future anymore.

doubleofive - many thanks for sticking those comparison shots up! :)