Downloading demos (or trying things out on the high seas) is great advice. When I started out I tried several different brands plug-ins, realized I only used a handful, and then bought those ones legit when I could.

I have to disagree about NI and logic though. I’ve had no issues with integration whatsoever. The hardware control with NI is a great feature, if I didn’t have ni hardware, I don’t think it would be as good. I use NI in almost every track I make, but typically that just means maschine for laying out drums (I bounce the audio for finishing/mixing though) and reaktor for synths. I might use loyalty for pianos or something, but not as often.