Well, don't know how it works on the Mac, but in windows it works pretty fast.. and very easy to use. And yes, I've started using more windows because there isn't a Lightroom for Linux (and yes, digiKam, BibleSoft and LightZone suck big time).. And, no buying a Mac isn't an option :)
About Flickr, you're missed two points here: - It integrates easily with Lightroom (what, you're still stuck with iPhoto?) via the new export plugin - The pro account has no upload limit. Yes, you pay for it, but it's a lot cheaper than the .mac account.
rcarmo Sure, but my views on Lightroom are a matter of public record (i.e., I find it bloated and unusable) and I'm already paying the dotmac tax anyhow... I'll add another footnote later.