Re: ... software, costs, and value ...
I agree about the UI on SP - it's not good! However, I can't justify spending the same amount on software as the original camera cost just to fix problems in the camera's software! It's a classic diminishing returns problem - you get 95% of the quality with the free software (and some time invested), and the last 5% gets progressively more expensive.I tried with SP because a very good friend who's work I respect loved it. I could not get on with the clumsy and miserable UI.
I justify spending at least as much for premium quality software as I do for a premium quality lens. My good lenses cost me between $500 and $1500 apiece. The software I use has at least as much influence on the quality of my work as the lenses do. (Same goes for the tripod too.)
So at $300 for Lightroom and $600 for Photoshop CS4, I feel I'm getting a bargain (and, btw, I didn't pay that much anyway! ... ;-).