Any suggestions regarding image editing software? (MS Im.Ed.2006 AE)

I'm still using Microsoft Digital Image Editor 2006 Anniversary Edition even after all of these years for the simple reason that it gets the job done perfectly well (and I love its interface).

The only reason why I'm asking about alternatives is because I know that I can't keep using MDIE 2006 AE forever, if only because:

A. I've registered it a number of times already. I don't know if I could register it any more times.

B. It's not being sold any more (and, from what I understand, it was the last version of "Microsoft Digital Image Editor"), and I'm not sure where I could get another copy easily that hasn't used up its registration codes.

and

C. I'm not sure that Microsoft would accept new registrations of it any more even if I could get my hands on a new copy.

...

So, considering that I am absolutely attached to this program at this point, does anyone have any suggestions for something that I could consider when the good Program and I have to part ways (so to speak)?

I don't want to use Adobe Photoshop. I've used it in academic classes in the past, and I don't like its interface.

I tried GIMP many years ago just out of curiosity, but it was somewhat perplexing to me to use. I want to make swift edits that get the job done, but also look pretty good.

If you are looking for an application that has a simpler interface but can do what you Need, I would suggest you take a look at Paint Dot Net which is similar to the old MS interface, but a lot more powerful when you need it ...

Paint.NET - Free Software for Digital Photo Editing

I use a lot of applications for my Graphics work, Photoshop, CorelDraw Suite, Gimp, plus Raw editors for photo management - With all of these each application will have it's strengths and weaknesses Photoshop is probably the closest to an all round tool, but comes at a price

If you have a need for Natural Media Painting - take a look at the Open Source [Free] Krita - https://krita.org/en/

If you have any specific needs for input/output let me know and I will try to give some ideas

It's better to trial your potential replacement now, while you can do the testing "offline". It's better if you can spend a little time to get to know the new system and then set a point where you can go over to the new system for a period to be sure it's the way for you. you can then go back to the original knowing that if the product is withdrawn you can be up and running quickly. what you actually find often is that the extra features in the new system mean that you stay using the new system