Cool beans, CJ
Looks like LR offers the erase brush and Nik does it by color selection. I imagine there are benefits to either platform.
I'm not familiar with Nik plugins, are the PS only, or available in LR also?
I suppose I could look it up, but I really like to hear from other users, and your work speaks for itself.
Currently I use one or two grad filters on LR5, but haven't played with the erase brush.
The Nik Software plugin (now owned by Google) works with both PS and LR.
I find the Nik Software plugins invaluable in all my photography, including my film photography. There is SO much that it does that I'd seriously consider purchasing it.
I think you can download a free trial of the complete plugin. I'd do it and see how it works for you. Once you start using it, and the awesome selection tool it uses in each filter, I think you'll really like it as well.