Hi Paul,thanks for the reply man,hope all is good with your bad self.
I recall from years ago you preferring premastered songs to be around -9db,so that's always what I've aimed for before doing the final tweaks. I'm definitely not looking for a track rammed to the limit with no dynamics at all,so I get your point on that. That just wears out my ears and make me want to turn off.
All I aim for is to have my tracks on a uniform level,volume wise,but retain some punch. Compression has always been a hit and miss thing with me,I know I ought to make better use of the tool,but it makes me feel like I'm painting with my feet,sometimes.
I'd never even considered compression on each individual tracks! With vocals and bass,I try to make the recording/playing level as uniform as possible,then using vocal/bass riders to tidy things up.
You make a good point on seeing the disruption as an opportunity to experiment and improve,maybe I need to change my mindset a little and embrace options,rather than piss and moan about what can't be changed!
Many thanks for your input.