I feel like you're not really listening.
Yes, use the "best" program in terms of speed, features, and user interface, if...
For you, clearly, all these bullet points ring true. For me, in general, none do, so for a program to be "good" for me -- which is a subjective thing -- the software's source must be available, letting me read and modify it.
> some of the OSS versions have a long way to go
This is absolutely true for many applications dealing with music production, video production, and graphic design. My theory is that it has to do with personality types: the userbases for these applications tend to consist largely of Sensing people, while hacking code and collaborating over the internet appeal strongly to iNtuitive personalities.