Yes it would have definitely helped take the guess work out this shot for me! That 40d is a nice upgrade or sure IMO.
I could have also went back and chimped the histogram in playback mode, and retook the shot with some ajustments (more flash) But, I only took 1 image and it was a spontaneous throwaway I thought. It came out a little better than I though it would so I worked it the best I could
Best,
Jay