For $50, you can get Cakewalk's Music Creator 7 which does support plugins and has everything from the big DAW's you need and none of the stuff you don't.

I used this software's early versions.... MC4 mainly, for years.

I recommend it HIGHLY. And now,,,,, PG MUSIC is selling it. What does that tell you about it....? It's great stuff and very affordable.

HERE>>>> http://www.pgmusic.com/musiccreator.htm

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.