One problem with v.7 is .png files -- creating them is easy enough, but you need a patch from JASC in order to actually save your creations {duh!!!}. If you're not into making your own elements, then having the patch shouldn't be an issue...
I personally have used v.2, v.3, v.4, v.5, v.6, v.7, v.9 and v.X ... and v.9 is my all time fave! possibly just because I know it better than any of the others -- makes a difference when tools are where ya left 'em!!

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Lizzerd / Calgary