Hi,

If you go to the Filter Forge Downloads page, they have some freebie filter packs. (Currently, Metals, Photo Effects, and Frames.)  They are limited  editions but might give you an idea of what Filter Forge is capable of doing.  ( I have the full Pro version so haven't installed the filter packs as those same filters are available in the main filter library without the limitations. I think they are limited as in you can't edit the effect the filter creates.)

It's a shame you didn't get to use the Demo.  I got the program for free as I made several filters that got High Usage ratings.