Trying to wrap my head around Photoshop layers

[leeroix]

Yes, Ive run into this problem before too. Unfortunately, I have not come up with a solution yet. (except smart filters) I do Try to make everything editable, creating a non destructive original image. When grouping or merging and then applying various other filters or treatments, renders the underlying layers un-observable (at least until the new group is un-checked) -When using smart filters you have a little more to work with.

A side note: ^I like layers too, have you seen this dude? Bert Monroy
the Times Square image is over 700,000 layers...