bongolation:
I hate learning curves, so I downloaded the fruity loops manual and followed the getting started tutorial. Once I figured out how to create patterns and organize patterns into songs, I started climbing the curve very quickly. Mind you, I only use FL generally to create drum tracks (which I import into ntrack), so I don't know a lot about the other aspects of the program. But adding a synth pad to patterns is really pretty easy - plus the copy/paste function is great. It did take a while to get acceptable drum sounds (the default kits generally sound very synth-like) but that aspect's steadily improving. I have a blast adding different sound sources, effects, turning dials, etc. And a great advantage is, after importing to ntrack, you can go back to the flp file, make changes, and replace the old import - with no adverse impact on synchronization. Or create a simple synth pad or whatever and import it into your tracking software as an additional track, separate from the original drum track.
I'm a guitar player and I commonly think of song ideas and arrangements before I pick up an instrument. The less time it takes to get a basic arrangement down, the better - then I can concentrate on PLAYING.