Stage three

Left: input image. Middle: Denoised image without Grain Equalization. Right: Denoised image with Grain Equalization. Notice the vast differences in noise grain prevalence independent of brightness, and notice subtle pre-existing noise grain has been re-introduced in an unobtrusive and visually pleasing manner.

The 'Grain Equalization' parameter lets the user reintroduce removed noise grain in a modified, uniform way, that is; appearing of equal magnitude across the image (rather than being highly dependent per-pixel signal strength, stretches and local enhancements as seen in the input image).

The 'Grain Equalization' feature an acknowledgement of the "two schools" of noise reduction prevalent in astrophotography; there are those who like smooth images with little to no noise grain visible, and there are those who find a tightly controlled, uniform measure of noise grain desirable for the purpose of creating visual interest and general aesthetics (much like noise grain is added for a "filmic" look in CGI). The noise signature of the deliberately left-in noise, is precisely shaped to be aesthetically pleasing for precisely this purpose.

Lastly, it should be noted that the 'Grain Equalization' feature only shapes and re-introduces noise in the luminance portion of the signal, but not in the chrominance (color) portion of the signal.