When I refresh in AvsPmod (so it does all the processing again and outputs the same frame), the image isn't identical as it was before.
Which is supposed to be expected?
I just tested it again on madVR and it seems indeed to be caused by the setting "restore details in compressed highlights", which also changes the red to purple in this sample.
No idea what happens behind the option though.
DGHDRtoSDR is still noticeably smoother, especially if you compare the right eye.
And I can't find a setting that makes madVR closer.
Example, in order: v1.7 | madVR | madVR restore details in compressed highlights
So v1.7 is actually spot on here, except for the middle of the face where's it's not blending with the colors and clipping is noticeable on the edges.
Tried old DGReinhard/DGHable and HDRTools, all look worse so madVR might just be doing something funky.
The detail is definitely there though.