Creating Custom Maps

[cjsiam]

So...I've seen maps from FitS, EFD and Desert Rats....
I've seen images of some others....

I'm working out a larger campaign idea, new as I am to this particular series--to these games, I am tragically not so new...

So---I was wondering about some ideas/suggestions/cautions from the collected wisdom here:

1) I'm not as pleased with the colors, darkness, bright orangeness of the maps as presented.....am I alone here?

2) I've seen the Stalingrad image, I saw some google kmz type maps---are these "Image" maps necessary/preferred to drawings?

3) I've seen Hexdraw maps --- is that "acceptable" to the majority of players instead of 2)?

4) I want to be create custom maps---maybe even on the fly--for scenarios and campaigns---has anyone any preferred tools?
  I'm looking at HexDraw....CampaignCartographer3...google/kmz enhancements(which would turn into a library of backgrounds...maybe)...
  and at the top end..Adobe....

5) Is there interest in larger maps--not constrained by the "geomorphic compatibility" issues of the 13x17hex format? Historical scapes

6) if you had a good map, but you needed to print it 22x36 at a Kinkos/printer for $15?$20? would you?

7) Anyone like Bigger hexes?  I've seen 150% as the appropriate size...

Thanks---appreciate any insights....ideas
cj