Pro retouchers thoughts on CS5 adjustment panel?

Question

I've been using CS5 extensively the last few days, I gave CS4 a try too when it came out and I just don't like the adjustment panel at all. I see that the text field can be selected automatically which is a start but I find it takes more clicking around and more tablet pen movements to get what I need done compared to CS3. In CS3 if you are in an adjustment and want to cancel just hit escape and the window and the layer just go away. In cs5 you can command-z or delete until it goes away - but the panel is still open. In CS3 hold option to turn the cancel button into reset was great now you have to find one of those icons at the bottom of the panel. Of course in curves command-clicking set points on the curve but now you need to select the eyedropper? Not more efficient in my opinion. Now whats funny about CS5 if I set an action to open adjustment layers it opens in the old CS3 style windows, which is great but my ususal key commands for adjustment layers don't have function-keys. And if you open an adjustment from the layer stack even if it was made through an action it still opens in the new CS5 adjustment panel. Weird that its not consistent. I just really wish there was a preference to have a choice of either the CS3 or CS4/5 adjustment layers. Its such an important part of a retoucher's day that I find it jarring to completely change this without considering users that might be fine with what worked before. I am curious how others feel? Am I missing something that makes it ok to work with?

Answer 1

Yes, I will repeat what I have said many times on these forums, that the Adjustments Panel is a move backwards. In Particular the modal version of Curves is much easier to work with than the panel version. Placing, and nudging of points, feels cleaner, and graphics refresh is smoother. And the modal panel itself is much easier, less intrusive to slide around and close. Display options are also easier to toggle in Curves.
The panel offers no real advantage for professional use. Anyone who thinks its important to be able to change blend modes and opacity of adjustment layers while altering their values - well lets just say, it would be a fairly good indication of their level of expertise and imaging knowledge, if they seriously think that offers any advantage.
Now whats funny about CS5 if I set an action to open adjustment layers it opens in the old CS3 style windows, which is great but…
Yes, if you use this method you will be working in the best way available now in CS5 and 4 I think. (Actions, and the very useful script that C. Pfaffenblicher has linked to, allowing you to open existing Adjustments modally)  - You can assign an F key to bring up the Script (but unfortunately it doesn't work on Vibrance or Exposure adjustments, and I haven't managed to rework it myself yet to include these).
I just really wish there was a preference to have a choice of either the CS3 or CS4/5 adjustment layers
Yes, so do I - its been asked for, and probably not a hard thing to code in. 
I'd say there there are so many different levels of Photoshop user out there that many are not going to be bothered, but some of the really high end power users (myself included) have a real problem with an interface that frankly is a giant step backward when it comes to productivity. As far as I can tell, the more advanced you are, the less likely you are to like the direction Adobe is going in.
Yes I whole-heartedly agree with everything PDF says in this post. Perhaps wouldn't go as far as "giant step backward in productivity", but I've yet to meet another experienced Retoucher who thinks the panel is a better solution.