mmmm yeah sort of. We use the layers effects loads at work. I'd used paint shop pro before that because of its vector stuff being built in.
edit - still do for some stuff, the mesh warp is great compared to the limited CS2 thing. and the push/blend/smudge brushes have a different feel to the CS ones.
I really hate cs2 path nonsense which I think is massively under developed, but they keep it like that so you have to buy Illustrator.

Upgrades cost sooo much compared to the usable extra features you get, 3D software is
terrible for this. but the people who actually buy it, as opposed to downloading it, are often corporates so its not
their money they're spending.
I haven't read the link yet, but if it's a proper 64 bit version then that's a genuine step forward and will help with poster sized stuff.