I agree that it isn't a make or break addition to the program it is one of the main reasons I upgraded from V14 to V17. Considering it has been included in 3 different versions you'd think by now it would be much more usable and feature rich. Considering the rest of the program is so packed with features - features that most will never use, it's very disappointing that this feature that is actively advertized is so very limited.

Off topic, but some other comments about my experience so far moving from V14 to V17:

- It seems like the multi-camera and 3D editing are the big upgrades. Unfortunately they won't be used by most people.

- The user interface hasn't changed a whole lot in general appearance but I find it's much more usable and logical. The old version made it very difficult to find things. Some of the logic isn't perfect, but it's much improved. Things like pushing "record" to extract video from a camera aren't exactly obvious and may be the reason why this program is slipping from the #1 position for most reviewers.

- It's disappointing that they don't include tutorials or videos on some of the more basic or even more advanced features given how limited the manual is. Things like how fades work are not exactly obvious, and features like keyframes are all but impossible for new users to understand with this program. Even adding titles is much more difficult than in other programs. I know there are online tips, but people who buy a program shouldn't have to resort to google searches to figure out how to use it.

- Still tons of funny information they forgot to translate into English

- Oddly, v17 in my powerful new i7 computer the imported pictures don't preview in the icons. I installed a demo of the program on an old underpowered laptop and they work fine with it. It's also disappointing that things like fades still only demo with A and B rather than showing the effect with an actual picture. I know you can work around these issues, it just makes the program less fun and more time consuming.

I am not sure how the travel route animation is limited, it does work as it is advertised to me, maybe it could use some new maps, it would have been great it they used Google maps with the terrain and all, but again, I think this is licensed for use in the software, and I do not think it is that bad, but that is my opinion.
 
I think multi-cam is a great feature, it was in version 16 plus as well. I think that is what lead into the use of 3D in the version 17 Plus. Multi-cam gives me the ability to piece together two video feeds of the same subject material... weddings, graduations... the kid’s soccer games. I can see this used as much as the travel route animation.

3D, well I am not sold on this yet... but it is great that the software has it, and it’s a fun novelty to take a 2D video and add text or picture in picture effects that are in 3D. They work great and are fun.

For me, the user is why I like the software, it is very logical to me. I like the ability to change modes (Time-Line, Storyboard, Overview) to access features more efficiently. I used Time-Line mode most of the time, but when I do photo slide shows, I find myself in Storyboard.

When I connect my HD cameras to the computer they show up as drive letters in the media area, file manager section of the software. I click on that, and I can access the content that is recorded on the camera. I only press the record button under the preview monitor if I am wanting to record from analog (Hi-8, VCR). I think this is why the removed it from the Plus version as everything really sold today is digital, so it doesn't need recorded, just transferred or used directly from its source.

I couldn't say if it is slipping or not by reviewers. I still give it my two thumbs up, but then again, I haven't tried the new flavors offered by Sony, Pinnacle, Serif, Adobe, Roxio, Ulead... that list goes on and on.

The do have a video DVD and Book called "Video Editing Made Easy with Movie Edit Pro", and there is also this site, which I am pretty active on, and I make small tutorials on how to do this or that, I agree though, they could offer more and maybe that is what we as users should ask for in the software. I know the documentation is a lot better than it has been before, so I think they are headed in that direction. Ultimately, it is an intuitive program if you understand object based editing and drag and drop.

If you have questions on how to do a certain thing, please ask... I would be happy to show you how if I know. I use key frames; it allows me to make some really professional looking moments. I like how it works too, once you have done one, it is very logical. I think for them to put into the program everything the program does, it would cost a lot more. I like the low price for the feature set I get. I do not mind fumbling around and doing a little research, I guess that is why they have this site... share knowledge.

Yeah, the German words... menus are sometimes pretty hysterical, but knowing it is a German company I can forgive them. Most of it is pretty logical as to what it means or should say... maybe somewhat embarrassing for them though.

I am not sure I understand about icons... do you mean the pre-image or thumbnails in the media file manager area? If so, mine always show up, but I have it turned on. I can also turn it off from the file manager so all I see are the names. If I click once on these icons, they show in the preview monitor. On some videos I have to press the play button under the preview monitor. It works the same for audio, I have a stereo digital audio recorder that I use for over-dubs, it lists everything by take numbers and since there is now visual for this it is nice that I can select one, press play and listen to it before choosing that take.
 

On the A|B transitions, I am not sure how the program will know what two videos/images you would want to preview would be... but that would be a great idea for maybe the Storyboard mode... another thing that would be great to suggest.

You made some valid points and I agree you could see some improvements in some areas of the software, but I think there are more good things that have happened (especially from v14 Plus to v17 Plus) like full AVCHD, H.264 video support, proDAD and NewBlue usage that have elevated this from really a consumer platform to a more enthusiast program. We can find faults in all the different editors, for me it’s when you can’t find strengths that the real problem arises.

Sorry if I was a long read, I just wanted to share my information as well as invite you to ask any question on using the software, I would be more than happy to pass on any knowledge that I have.