Not wanting to go too much off topic, but have you ever worked with Mamba FX? I just came across it today, and it seems pretty powerful, node based compositing, for relatively little money!
 
http://www.sgo.es/mambafx/
 
Does it have everything? No. Still though, for the price, seems pretty cool. I just downloaded a trial. 
 
 
 

Mamba is awesome.  I freelanced for a company that used it.  Just not in the budget right now.  I think if I was doing more hardcore visualfx I would invest.  Cheaper than Nuke but still a luxury I can't afford at the moment.  Plus I have several software programs that I need to start using more.  I have barely touched my Mocha Pro except for when  I can't get a decent track in AE. I also have used my trapcode suite plugins sparingly.

Great to hear that! I have to say, it would be a luxury for me too, but at 239 EUROs or so, it seems a steal compared to other programs! And I still have to buy myself a birthday present!

Nice bday present!