I might actually start using avid. Some of their systems and hardware are very sweet. Unfortunately Avid 5.5 is still 32 bit, but they said their next release will be 64 bit, which is good to hear. Im going to try it and see what i think and if they update it and dont mess it up, I may stick with it.
Not only that but Media Composer 5.5 ($2,300 program) is only $300 for students! Man I love getting all the academic software magazines.