Gene, Love your "Photoshop". Specially the paint bucket and the two little locks. A couple of minutes? I use PSE myself but it seems to me that if Adobe's subscription plan works for someone, regardless of why Adobe came up with it, then it is to that person's benefit to use it. Even the OP admits Photoshop is Top of the Line. We are not forced to use it, there are many programs that have many of the same tools. If you don't like it don't subscribe. Why waste time ranting or trolling?
Reason I wasted my "valuable retired time" on this was to tell you how much I enjoyed your old Photoshop.
I also enjoy your posts.
Bill

Maybe these folks can help. They are my go to for PSE problems.

http://www.photoshopelementsandmore.com/

Hope they can help you.
Bill

Beautiful image! Best wishes for your speedy and, as much as possible, pain free recovery. Some of that is selfish. Really want you back out in the boonies taking your wonderful pictures.
Bill

88 feet/sec, I think. Not a lot of distance when you consider reaction time. I also have read that 10'/10mph is a safe distance.
Bill

You have a fine "eye" and a wonderfully creative mind, to say nothing of your talent as a photographer. Another great example of the above. Always enjoy your images. Thank you.
Bill

Bill

Thank you for your Bisti posts. Like Retired CPO I am going to miss them. Looking forward to your next adventure.
Bill

groan

Bill

One could buy Elements+ which has focus stacking. It only costs $12.00 or $14.00 and you get many more useful tools. Focus stacking with Elements+ is easier than using Photomerge, but I don't know if its better or not.
Bill

Here is a link to Elements+. There is a lot of stuff in it. I think you will enjoy it. To me, just the ability to use curves makes it worthwhile. Bill

https://elementsplus.net/

Elements+ has a focus stacking mode in its scripts section. Elements+ sells for $12 or &14. How well it works compared to dedicated focus stacking software I don't know. For the price and for what one gets, it seems to be a real bargain.
Bill

What a fine, fine photograph!! Thank you for sharing. The best of luck to you and wishing for a speedy recovery on your upcoming surgery.
Bill

Groan!! You have made my morning. LOL
Bill

Wow Linda, why don't you tell us what you really think!! LOL. I envy your "way with words"
Bill

Linda, as one who uses the forum as for learning and enjoyment I appreciate your efforts to make this a kinder place. Some of the snarkyism (real word?) may be due to physical separation of the commenters.
Can you imagine walking up to rmalarz or graham smith and telling them their B & W Photos are a result of following the crowd or trying to fix a failed photo. It boggles the mind. I believe most folks here have open minds. they just don't post.
To the OP; my apologies for getting off topic of your thread. Sometime I get irritated and carried away. No rules. Study some street photos, b&w and color and see what YOU like.
Bill