I'm finally giving GIMP a fair go. I might have to search for better resizing plugins, because even going 50% produces jagged edges on a previously smooth line. Resizing is important.
I have a plugin that allows for layer grouping, and GIMP seems to have a guides feature. Those are features Photoshop Elements doesn't have.
I wish I could just transfer Photoshop 7 from my old iBook, but it wouldn't possibly run on Windows. While I'm wishing, I might as well just wish for Photoshop CS4.

(EDIT: Tried the coffee stain filter and preferred that much more than the leather background)