I think PSP is fading in the market since its release of PSP 7 AE edition and has long time no newer version or update release.

For comparing user friendiness, I think both PhotoImpact and Photo Express from Ulead are much easier for beginners with competitive pricing.

I will not deny of PSP's power features and high compatibility to Photoshop's plugin functions in creating professional paint/photo editing. However, Adobe did not stop their paces to make Photoshop with the market. Most of us realize the popularity of digial camera in typical market and photo editing tends to become common in our home, Photoshop 7's healing brush gave us more alternatives compare to PSP 7 AE for portriat skin color modification.

With so many features and unveils of new versions/products from other competitors, Jasc is required to pay serious attention to next version of PSP.