Yeah, just to clarify about the HC < 1.0 suggestion:
There is no algorithmic approach for flmic highlights, in my opinion - by default I leave them at 0.
Dubcat ACES emulation calls for filmic shadows = 1.0 and filmic highlights = 1.0, but in my experience, this does not lead to a desirable look. Moreover, Dubcat has also suggested not using filmic shadows in combination with his filmic LUTs (i.e. wonky contrast), so filmic highlights and filmic shadows seem to be a sort of "season to taste" option, rather than an option I (personally) lean into, as opposed to contrast, or highlight compression, which I adjust strongly.
If anyone has other tips / suggestions like this, I would be happy to hear about them