alright, so after my nightmare experience i contacted pixelgenius tech support and they told me how to fix the problem (the one where the plugin couldn't be "activated") and now it's working and of course that's mollified me somewhat. i'm using the software and deciding whether i'm going to keep it or take a refund. the software's functionality can be nice even though i still think the lack of a preview function is a glaring omission - i don't think i've ever used a photoshop plugin that doesn't show you a preview of the effect before you apply it - and re-reading my previous post reminds me of how bass-ackwards this company is and how i think i really don't want to support it.

on the one hand, the fact that the software's working now lulls me into complacency. on the other, i groan inwardly every time i use it because the lack of a preview function means i usually have to run the plugin several times to find the combination and levels of effects i want. this is ridiculously inconvenient and time-consuming, and those are not adjectives one wants associated with one's workflow.

really - i'm bewildered that pixelgenius let this thing out the door without a preview function. that's no great evidence of genius, if you ask me.