Originally posted by Tas I don't think any alternatives can do what Photoshop does yet, and it will no doubt remain the benchmark program for many years to come, but Adobe won't be seeing anymore of my money.
That's probably my situation as well, except possibly for elements
if they build something exciting into it. I've learned to never say never.
For now, Faststone, CS6, LR6, & Raw Therapee do what I need, and probably will for years. I've not touched the surface of what they can do.
I'm not confident enough in the US economy to purchase anything but a stand alone product. The US debt and printing of money will likely lead to a big correction sooner or later. Hopefully later. Historically, no nation with our debt load has evaded hyperinflation and the problems that go with it.
The problem with renting software is that there is no software (or severely limited) if one's financial situation gets bad and one has to stop renting. Are there features that CC has/will have that I will want? Undoubtedly. But I don't want to become dependent on something that I may not be able to afford in the future. That's a shame, because, as you say, it is the benchmark program at present.