This is a really nice map. The clouds are pretty strong, but, personally, I like them a lot. I wouldn't suggest changing them or peeling them back at all. An idea occurs to me for your maelstrom - I don't know if this has been tried, but could you just put a rip/burn in a piece of paper and then photograph/scan it and paste it across the required area? Might not be the effect your going for, but I think it'd really stand out.