Scott when you say images are lacking at high magnification, what magnification are you using?
With a scope of 4.5 inches I would say the maximum 'usable' magnification would be in the x200 region. A rule of thumb is generally around the x50 an inch of aperture. Try and use magnification that provides a brighter less magnified image and remember nights of very good seeing are a lot rarer than you would imagine. On my 8 inch scope most nights only allow x200 occassionally x300 and extremely rarely x400.As you can see logic would suggest I could use x300 easily but seeing is the limiting factor.Use about x150 on your scope and this should give you great views of jupiter and saturn that are well placed at the moment. If you are embarking on deepsky objects remember the light gathering power of your scope is the limiting factor not magnification. There is lots to see up there with your telescope scott, I started off 25 years ago with a smaller and without a question a lower quality scope and the bug has been with me since.When you are starting out learning your way around the sky is the important thing. Good luck and clear skies. Eddie