Plug-ins are only wack because everyone makes shit that looks the same, and when you see an image created entirly with plugins you know exactly how that image was made step for step. When I use plugins I cover my tracks so even if someone thinks I used a filter they will have a hard time figuring out what ones and in what combination. I have like 300+ plugins but I only use a handfull of them. And if you cant make somethin sick without filters, you should work on that before you become plugin dependant. It's cool to experiment that is the best way to learn, but dont get hooked, I seen good artists hit rock bottom cuz they was strung out on EYC3000.