Chuck,In answer to your questions I never tried PixelSmart,so can't give you any feedback. I have used S-Spline,and found it had more of a limit to the amount of resizing you could do with good results. I read alot of reviews,and got feedback from people that have used resizing softwear,and Genuine Fractal always came out ahead of the others...so that is what I got(and it works very well). The thing with this kind of softwear/plug-in is you are not going to take a "web" size graphics,and resize it up to a large image for print.You have to have a high rez. to start with...(example...you need a 16x20@240dpi,you need to have around a 8x10@300dpi as your original). As for MaskPro,the only other masking plug-in that I know of is KnockOut(Corel). I used it(KnockOut) on a work computer, and found it took more time and work(with the same results)than if you just used the tools in PS. MaskPro cost $199.99(ouch!!), but is faster and does a better job than PS's tools...but at that price you really need to be doing composite type work all the time to justify the cost. I hope this helps, BUT I would also like to add... These are very specialized plug-ins,that I have a real need/use for in my work. Special effects(FX) filters are quick and easy,but with few exceptions the results always looklike a quick&easy one-click effort(not a good thing). The fur filter in EyeCandy is very popularlook thru the galleriesyoull see a lot of wavy hair that SCREAMS I zapped this with the fur filter. Any and all effects (and the resulting image) should have a seamless,natural,and invisible look to them,and not draw your attention to the technical aspects. I would really dig into PS and find out all that it can do for you first,before you start loading up with the filter of the week. Thats just my opinion (course opinions are like ass-holeseveryone has one). Have fun,SWAMP