i use Ultra Fractal exclusively, I still have so much to learn about it, i will likely stay with it for a while yet.  I have to say though i love the fractals i have seen credited to both FE and APO.  Both those programs seem to turn out wonderous works.  Mandelbulb seems to be a favorite of many artists on the site and i have to say i am almost always impressed with the MB3D images.  I guess i am only saying here, I think there is more than enough room for all these programs here, and i can fully appreciate all of them and i am also very happy to see them posted.  I almost forgot, there is a few folks using Xenodream, those pictures are without fail some of the clearest 3D images i've seen.

  Sorry to hear that your FE program sounds like it has been orphaned, maybe someone will create a new version of it. 

Jim (aka Greyone)