Let me join the chorus ... unfulfilled promises, constant 'promos' $$ to gain functionality and as mentioned - just one more upgrade $$ to achieve everything you want - it never ends! And "if you just pre-order - have we got a deal for you". I was an original Luminar user and followed them through Luminar 4. Then after seeing no real value with AI, I stopped feeding Skylum. Lightroom for me.

The only 2 tips I would suggest:
1. first understand how you recall subjects photographed ... I am not a date centric person, I can't remember my anniversary, grandkids birthdays, etc ... but I am location-centric so that is my primary search option (and of course family)
2. then learn the power of Lightroom's filter/search features: keywords, collections, metadata, etc and use what works for you.

Re: Adobe support one has to be patient - I too was about to reach out to UHH for suggestions. My issue was my default Pictures folder on Mac showed 423 images yet the Lightroom Library view showed 0 images. Mac's 'Get Info' showed 1 file 14 KB existed in that folder. Four chats (my mobile phone service unreliable in this location) and 9 hours with hands-on browsing by support for 2 days I decided to try one more time and insisted 2nd level/senior support.

This worked! 20 minutes later 1) 423 'missing' images were identified and located and/or deleted and 2) the folder properly reflected the total images in Pictures. There is a 'package' in Pictures, and FYI Lightroom can not view packaged images (it was suggested I simply copy to the Desktop and manually import into Lightroom).

Lessons: for my own recall and UHH friends
1. routinely check and 'find' missing images and (in case you move images outside of Lightroom)
2. prep your chat discussion (in a notes app on computer) before starting chat with Adobe starting with the Issue, Case Number and text you want to inform support about (I then can copy and paste the text I prepared about what I want them to understand versus trying to text replies and keep up with them)
3. at the start of the chat 'request' that they allow you to explain in your words what your issue is (I found many support reps read the brief chat introduction and 'run' to what they believe is the issue - that seems to slow them down and understand
4. if you allow full access to your computer insist they explain what they intend to do BEFORE clicking and changing/deleting anything ... example one rep was about to attempt to delete my Pictures folder and create a new one - I knew a) that is default folder created originally, user cannot delete and if they did Apple says that could mess up system files like Movies, Applications etc folders

Just say'n

1. Keep all RAW images - a) that have been processed or b) have the potential for future processing
2. Keep all images exported as Jpeg (since I shared those once, I probably will share again ... oh, external disk space is cheap
3. Images saved on the computer as Jpeg's are auto-saved to Google Photos using Backup and Save for future sharing

"My workflow is very simple" - excellent

"I have a good organizational system on my external drive" - Lightroom won't change that.

"I want to ditch LR and use Bridge (browser capability) and Adobe Camera Raw" - will those applications allow you to search and quickly find photos via keyword, date, file type, lens? Can you organize photos in different 'collections' without the requirement to have copies in several folders using hard drive resources?

"I understand it can do most of what LR can do." - so why not stick with something that does ALL of what Lightroom can do, versus trying to integrate pieces that LR already does

"I don't batch edit. I also use Luminar 4 and am learning PS." - Luminar (which I have also) was originally billed as a Lightroom replacement never fulfilled all of Lightroom's catalog capabilities.

"Also I won't have to worry about LR losing photos or not recognizing a drive." LR really doesn't 'lose' photos, your workflow process within LR just needs to be tightened - do not move photos outside of LR, and if you do simply synchronize the folder inside of Lightroom

Other features that keep me with LR - free website and sharing tools - Adobe cloud, My Portfolio, Adobe Spark

The bottom line is - photography is to be enjoyable ... so find that which brings you joy.

That's great - so we don't assume ... what application?

The 2012 Nik Collection - free is still available via web search. It installs on a PC but Mac Big Sur does not allow it to be installed as a plug-in. Here is a work-around for Mac https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2j33ZaXwfk.
Alternately, install it as a stand-alone.

See if this helps https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201302

This may be an AirDrop option between Apple devises and PC's

Well said ...

Very nice replacements.
I use both Luminar4 and PS sky replacement options. I decided to keep Luminar 4 for the ease of their erasing tool, sky replacement, and looks. However, I am an Adobe subscriber and feel all the bennies of mobile lightroom, Spark, and My Portfolio websites, the tutorials online, and most important to me the DAM make it worthwhile ... my suggestion: compare Luminar to Inpixio for sky replacement and then check the other features for each. You may find either has additional features or editing options that can work easier for you with Affinity. Just for sky replacing Luminar is simple and does a good job. Just some thoughts.

Very nice replacements.
I use both Luminar4 and PS sky replacement options. I decided to keep Luminar 4 for the ease of their erasing tool, sky replacement, and looks. However, I am an Adobe subscriber and feel all the bennies of mobile lightroom, Spark, and My Portfolio websites, the tutorials online, and most important to me the DAM make it worthwhile ... my suggestion: compare Luminar to Inpixio for sky replacement and then check the other features for each. You may find either has additional features or editing options that can work easier for you with Affinity. Just for sky replacing Luminar is simple and does a good job. Just some thoughts.

Thanks, tcthome
Right-click is my standard access - see the update I added to my initial post, I found the solution. All good.

I attempted to add On1 Effects as a plug-in to Lightroom via the plug-in manager. It was added and is running. However, I can only use the plug-in through File>Plug-in Extras>On1 Effects and I typically launch my 3rd party plug-ins by clicking on the image and using 'Edit In'.

Anyone have an option?

Solution Update: (not sure how to delete) Found the solution: Navigate to Lightroom Classic>Preferences>External Editor>Choose (the plug-in file).

Bogin

I agree totally with abc1234 ...
If you spend the time with Adobe Lr - it will address 95% of your needs - #1 value to me is DAM (no one tops it)
Adobe subscription offers a lot besides PP - My Portfolio, Spark, Mobile and more - great basic websites, sharing tools etc.

I have tried Skylum Luminar since its inception and used for erase, Looks, Sky Replace ... then when I peel back the onion - Lr and PS do it all and better. I just trialed Affinity Photo "Lightroom/PS replacement for $25" ... No DAM - damn. If you pushed me to select 3 apps to take with me on a deserted island with my camera - Lr, PS and Nik Collection.

I am now expanding into PS and with this tutorial from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi6CwaFMODs and WOW ... I may become a PS advocate as well and it may not be overwhelming as I once thought

I have no clue but DuckDuckGo has one
https://www.lifewire.com/cr2-file-2620376