Comment 33 for bug 180693

@Jaspervdg Thanks for your response. I did actually create a separate problem report, and included the file I've also attached below. I'm actually thinking now that the underlying problem has to do with a fundamental limitation of SVG 1.1 - the lack of the ability to create a "gradient mesh." SVG 1.1 only allows doing linear or radial across an object. Without the mesh capability, the ability to do smooth rendering of subtle color regions is very tricky.

It is also clear that the filters in Inkscape are not finding good compromises, as you can see cases where terrible "open" areas are being generated that I think could be addressed.

SVG 2 seems like a long way off, which is a terrible pity since almost all rendering engines - including the one used in inkscape have the ability to define gradient mesh.