I can see what you are saying, but I can't see where in the process the contour altitudes turn into mountain shadows which do not follow the contours, particularly if you don't use the render / light filter. Is there any chance you could post a sample .ps file of a simple mountain range - I'd really like to see how this is done as I rely on Fractal Terrains if I want that sort of mountain shadow and I'd love to do it all within PS.