I have been using Corel products from day one, and PSP from when Jasc. was making it. I have always found Corel and easy company to do business with, I have had problems in the past but they were quick to resolve them, perhaps the person you were talking to was having a bad hair day.
In this world of ever changing technology there will always be something new to learn... With that said am I an amateur or a pro? Hmmmmm! I guess I will just remain plain ol' me for now and just have fun, wonder if that would make me a hobbyist!
Sunset rule Meter the area ABOVE the sun without including the sun. Set 1 F-Stop down to make the sunset look later or set the exposure compensation to -1.