I didn't know the answer to Q1, but I just tried it and yes you can create custom brushes in PSE 6.

I'll have to leave Q2 to someone who has actually used both programs. I think there is a features comparison on the Adobe website which may also be useful.

"If I were a shadow, I know I wouldn't like to be half of what I should be."
Mr Otsuka, the old black tomcat in Kafka on the Shore (Haruki Murakami)