GIMP isn't the only alternative to Photoshop.
On Mac Pixelmator and Acorn are both good alternatives. Not as powerful as Photoshop (or GIMP), but has more polished UI.
On Windows you have Paint.NET, which is free. Has some interesting UI-ideas, although it's not as polisehd as the Mac alternatives. In my experience the best alternative to Photoshop on Windows.
Another alternative is Pixel by Kanzelsberger. Seems to almost be able to compete with Photoshop on features.
@Kroc: True, but what way would be better? I've seen many attempts at different pixel-editor UI's, but those who differ a lot of Photoshop are usually even worse.