“It is also probably just as big a leap from FCP7 as Premiere Pro or Media Composer would be.”
Andrew, unfortunately this is a good indication of your limited experience with other editing software. From FCP 7 to PPCS5 is like falling off a log. The keyboard can be mapped exactly the same and the GUI uses the same concepts with lots more enhancements for productivity.
We all have difference projects, clients and technical requirements. If yours is such that its not an issue now or in the future, by all means tough it out. After 30 years of editing I find following my gut instinct is the way to avoid disasters and make my clients happy with video I am proud of. Each to their own.
Tom Daigon
Avid DS / FCP / After Effects Editor
http://www.hdshotsandcuts.com