Fair enough, the analogies might not stack up but to allude to well, we rent all these things anyways, so adding software isn't a big deal - It isn't a big deal in itself until you are renting everything.  We are talking a single case, CC, but I have concern about the signal it sends and the road it leads to.  Again, I think it's fine as an option IF there are other purchase options also available.  I don't really like being forced in a box either.

I think it's completely fine to use The GIMP, Paint Shop Pro and any of a number of photo/paint programs.  They are all far more capable these days.  Of course you need to make sure whatever any program offers meets your needs.  Unless you are at a company that requires a specific software, it just feels to me like an elitism to go with Adobe, just because it's Adobe.  For me, I have invested in pay-for plugins so I'm going to want PS plugin capability, which means stick with an old version of PS or go with something like PSP.  I don't need 3D painting capability, I have it in 3D Coat.  For layout art and texturing work, I just need something that does it's primary function well.  I don't need to stitch panoramas or whatnot.

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