Jim, my typical workflow is shoot into C1 Pro, process out Tifs, organize in Bridge, generate HDRs in Photomatix, then drop that on top of my good "normal" exposure in Photoshop with blending. So, Photomatix only has access to the Tif's. In Lightroom I used the Raws, so I'm sure it had more info available to it. What I was so surprised with was that it created a decent, full tonal image without my typical blending.
The old process example included dropping the Photomatix HDR on top of my straight exposure... so we're basically comparing a LR HDR blend to a layered and blended file.
I've always worked with Tifs because of the need to produce files with LCCs applied. This throws a wrench into the Raw LR workflow (as I can not get their flat field plugin to work). My next thought is to swap out all my Schneiders for retrofocus lenses... maybe even Hasselblads.
This stuff never ends!
At least I feel like I'm on the road to breakthrough in image quality that I've ben hunting a while.