David,

There are a couple of reasons that I have never given up iMatch, scripts and umm scripts!

I use the Manage Versions 2.1 script which I have modified some, but the latest version can be found here:

http://ptforum.photoolsweb.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=1450&an=0&page=0#1450

Once I have all my photos set the way I want, I then write all the categories to the IPTC fields of the images using the "All Purpose IPTC Writer" script. This gives you the ability to store all category assignments in the image for easier migration to other tools or faster recover in the event of an iMatch disaster (which has never happed). Just use the IPCT Import tool and it will rebuild your category tree from your images!

The Find Version script is a great one for finding all versions of a particular file and is faster than performing a manual search.

I started renaming photos as Photos\2006\$yyyy$mm$dd\$yyyy$mm$dd_$no.cr2 when I stated using Raw Shooter to download my flash cards. $no - is just the camera’s sequence number. I don't find a need to get any more elaborate than this. I like the ability to browse folders with other tools easily. I create subfolders for Converted, Prints and Web as needed. This is not strictly need for iMatch but I find it convenient when using other tools. I do have two cameras so I suppose that I could have a naming clash someday.

Best wishes,
Dave