The ramp in the middle goes from 1-254-1. So close to the center might look like:
250, 250, 250, 251, 251, 251, 252, 252, 252, 253, 253, 253, 254, 253, 253, 253, 252, 252, 252, 251, 251, 251, 250, 250, 250.
I don't recall home many times each code value is repeated on the gradient, but the center value of 254 is only used one time.
If turning contrast down reduces the bloom, then I would stick with that.
The stripe down the center will be distinct similar to the image you posted with the rectangle.
The ramp and the bars use the same values, just different ways to view the same thing. As it starts to clip, that center line on the ramp will get wider and wider.
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