Sorry, John, but a TIF file is just not the same as a raw file. Raw files contain the actual raw data from each individual R, G, and B photosensor in the camera, essentially untouched (...just packaged in a wrapper with some header info).
In contrast, the data in a TIF file (or any other conventional image file, eg, JPG, PNG, PSD, etc.) is the result of applying numerous mathematical operations to the raw data. These operations always include de-mosaicing (converting the triangular Bayer pattern of the physically spatially separate R, G, and B photosensor elements into a rectangular grid of pixels with all three colors overlaid on each pixel), and almost always include application of photosensor-by-photosensor NR, application of separate sensor response (calibration) curves, an overall gamma like curve, sharpening, anti-aliasing, etc.
After these data manipulations are performed and a TIF (or PSD or JPG is written), the changes are said to be "baked in", because they can't be undone -- you are stuck with them.
If you want me to demo what LR (or ACR) can really do, I need to start with the actual raw data.
Tom
PS - BTW, in case you have never seen all of the adjustments that typically get "baked in" when a raw file is converted to a standard image file, below is a screen grab from a really geeky raw converter program called "Raw Therapee". I only opened up a fraction of the adjustment groups, but it should give you an idea of how much is hidden under the hood by the simpler interfaces in LR and ACR. In the Adobe programs, Adobe has made decisions about most of these parameters, leaving only a fraction of them for the user to adjust. After conversion to a TIF or PSD file, you can't adjust *any* of them.
