With the feathering tool, it's hard to think of anything that couldn't be done.

I would not include the plug-ins as I think most all are for bitmap effects.

I also would not include the brushes tool as I think it is a bitmap effect.

All one has to do is watch one of Bob's videos on cartoon drawing, to understand why vector can be easier and more powerful than bitmaps.

For the accomplished artist (no offense to any meant) a bitmap program may be what they are used to doing. You would have to ask the Corel Paint folks about that.

Where bitmap programs come into play imo, is that when you want to do some pre-packaged effects that most vector editors do not have even in plug-ins.

These things include effects like pallet knife, oil brush and other effects on the ready, that one would have to make from scratch in a vector editor.

So, what it boils down to is imo, technique, skill and convenience.

It takes different skills to be a vector artist than it does a bitmap artist.

I use Xara Xtreme 3.2 and Corel PSP XI. That's about all the power I can handle with my current level of artistry (cough.)