As a software engineer for the last 15 years, I can honestly say that

"but considering how little time it took to make"

is a loaded and blind statement. I've made attempts at developing some poker software to replicate PT. And while I can say that I have no doubt I can do it better and cleaner, I can also freely appreciate how much time it takes because its not worth it to me to rewrite what already works and is widely accepted in the online poker community.

Software development isn't quite as easy as you think - especially considering the amount of features that PT implements. Granted it is a poorly designed application and isn't mounted on the greatest of platforms, but it is completely functional and the short time I used it, it works just fine. If you're serious about being on the winning side of poker and you need the crutch tool to improve your game then the $50 and change is a very good investment. Aside from that, you can find a few sites that will give you a free copy based on a deposit and playing enough raked hands - I got mine for free that way anyhow (because I'm tight/aggressive and cheap).

- Spike