Photoshop Elements isn't overpriced and there's lots of free plug-ins that I find useful. It also has a similar layout to Photoshop. If I wanted to save more money, I would use the gimp. That's $0, my favourite price for software
. I tried a trial of Corel in the past and I don't think it's as good as the gimp.
I'm an Elements fan. For just photo many people swear that Lightroom is the best? I don't do complicated changes (hey Editorial remember?)
I'm sure I have PSP somewhere and I don't know why not except I like Elements and I'm used to it.
Did have CS3 somewhere, just too much program for what I need to do 98% of the time. But the OP is right, why pay hundreds if you don't need all the features?