Perhaps maybe ask people to describe their chains and why they use specific sequences of plugins, their philosophies, and how they get to the results they usually aspire to.
One of the things I feel I do well is compete in the loudness wars. One of my own secrets for that is to roll of extreme low and high-end in a Linear-phase EQ, compress to taste with a modeled compressor, then use TWO limiters in succession to bring the overall level up without pumping. Although I don't use Sonar for Mastering unless I pre-master stems, my chain consists (typically) of EQ to fix issues => Multiband compression to fix issues => modeled compression for glue => EQ for taste => light dynamic EQ to enhance transient attack before limiting, then, Multiband limiter => Multiband Limiter/dithering.
I use extensive metering as well. I use Nugen Audio's Monofilter to tighten the low-end to the center if needed, but it's metering can show where the low end might be out of phase. I also use Wavelab's Loudness metering as well as Nugen Audio's Master Check to validate how the mix will sound on iTunes radio, for example.
I never go outside the box anymore. I think those Mastering chains are a bit overrated these days.