I have had EQ7 for quite a while. I love it and wouldn't do without it. However, here's what I think from my experience with other people using ANY software. If you LOVE computers and LOVE working with software, you will LOVE EQ7. If you're the type that want someone else to read the manual and then tell you how to do it, this is NOT for you. You'll be frustrated no end. And your money will be wasted.
However, if you're like me and LOVE computers and LOVE to learn new software to enjoy the challenge of seeing what you can do, then you'll enjoy EQ7.
I enjoy being able to design my own quilts instead of being stuck with patterns. Also, I've taken quilts from magazines, recreated them in EQ7 and re-sized them, re-arranged their blocks to create my own patterns based on their ideas. I can then go online and download pics of different materials and try them out prior to purchase.
I always make my own stencils using this program as well. I can drag it onto the quilt, it to the quilt, then print it out, knowing it's going to work.