What result is possible if value differences are too small before blending?

Correct answer: All areas may merge into a similar middle value

The governing concept is value separation before blending. Blending softens transitions and tends to reduce differences between neighboring tones. If the light and dark passages are already too similar, further blending can remove the remaining separation and make them merge into a dull middle value. Therefore option D is correct. Blending does not automatically create stronger contrast or a highlight, and it does not necessarily roughen the paper.