You know, I have never gotten the hang of using 'layers' the way PhotoShop does. I bought PhotoShop Elements several months ago, thinking it might have some features I miss in PhotoImpact, but the layer-thingie just escaped me, and I finally just uninstalled it.
It's actually a little funny in a way, because the first photo editing program I had that I thought was so neat was Adobe Photo Deluxe, and it, too, used layers. But it was so much more simple than Elements, and CERTAINLY lacking in comparison to PS!
I hear what you’re saying. Layers confused the heck out of me for the longest time, then it finally clicked and all started making sense. They are easy to work with now. It would have “clicked” for you too, you just didn’t give it enough time. I love using layers to make collages, especially. I don’t know how one would do it any other way.