QUOTE (hcubell @ Jan 7 2007, 12:20 PM)
1. Having the curve(s) as an adjustment layer is important.
2. Of course you can do everything with a point curve. If it gets in YOUR way, you can just revert to the point curve functionality. This way, everyone gets what they need to work efficiently.
HCB, I agree you can have both to please everybody, but IMO there is already too much redundancy in the way PS accomplishes many of its tasks and personally, I'd like to see the program streamlined a bit rather than more bloated.
Do me a favor... Load an image and toss a curves layer on top of it. With the curves adjustment dialog open, do a CTRL/CMD-click on any areas you want to adjust. A point will appear on the curve at each tonal value and lock it down. (Alternatively, you can simply put a point on the curve in any desired, shadow, deep shadow, midtone, highlight or bright highlight point just like on your parametric sliders.) Now go back, activate a point by clicking on it and adjust the active point using your arrow keys. Repeat for each desired tone. Do you really need more?
Cheers,