Nice run down ChaosMagnet. I think there are two things worth highlighting in your post. The first is you listed out the instructor's "favorites." In my experience, it seems like every instructor has their own. So it goes without saying that students' preferences might differ too. It's always good to see what your options are, and see if something works better for you. Which comes to my second part, make sure you get training / practice using the stuff you have.