Hmmm.... thanks for the suggestions. I am a little hesitant to make the contrast that stark (although I know that is a quickie paint job) since I tend to see early morning as having more subtle light. I keep seeing the light (in my head) as peeking over the clouds, so only a few things in the foreground get hit directly. But I like how you've darkened the shadows down, so I think I am going to try pushing the darks first before pushing the light to be really bright.
Also, i'm not sure if you noticed, but the colors used in the clouds actually do not share colors in the mountains or grass. Origianlly, the clouds were much lighter, so they had unique CLUT entries.
More progress to come.