I'm no expert at it, but with knowing Photoshop, illustrator, keyframing and similar, I had a shot at it with no manuals, and got pretty functional in it long before I had to look anything up.
Can't help you much with pricing, I sprang for a whole dreamweaver, fireworks etc bundle...

As for pricing in general, I gather that OEM software is legal: http://top-oem-software.com/oem-macromedia-software.html  although, for my own business use, I'm unconvinced and have stayed away from it. It appears to fall in the gray area... Maybe someone else knows more and can give a better explanation?

Hi, my namez: "NO, Bad Kitteh, NO!"  Whaz yurs?
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