LEV  FD8 isn't so bad. It does its stuff and it's easier to set up new script elements than Screenwriter. ( I'm working on a musical at the moment, which needs a LYRIC element. In FD it's a snap. In Screenwriter you have to set up an "outline element" which isn't quite so well-behaved, though it does work.)

BUT... beware. The activation system will dump you like a shot if e.g. you have a system crash and reinstall, or (as I did) you upgrade to Snow Leopard then have to roll back because SnoLe isn't really ready to print with your new HP printer (tsk). The assumption is that all users are (a) in the ConUS, (b) have an internet connection and (c) aren't doing anything particular much that day in the way of work so can wait for a support dude to reset the damn registration database.. They can do what they like, but it's annoying for the user who, as I am, is on a little Greek island trying to get some work done in peace. Thankfully I'm only using FD to read/revise someone else's work. Screenwriter is a bit more elegant in its approach. Not much; but they've at least automated the process so you don't have to make two trips into town to get the software you've paid for working again.

I don't actually understand the reasoning, really. If you're a pro, you're going to buy the software because you need it. If you're not a pro, I can't see anyone popping $250 for a highly-specialised app, although they will certainly bootleg it to sit in their rooms pretending they're Bill Goldman. But I presume they have their reasons.

Oh, one heads-up. Lord Lightning mentioned integration with Scrivener. Which is wonderful if you're using standard screenplay format. On the current job, I'm not, and Scrivener (which is marvellous) and FD don't really understand what each other are doing. That pesky LYRIC element causes mutual incomprehension. I expect the brilliant Keith Blount will fix it in Scrivener but for the moment it's no go.  
(Version 8.0)

SHADOW RAY  This is an ok screenwriting program, but this version has about 3 new features versus FD7, which was released five years ago. I have 7 and I was all ready to upgrade but after trying it decided not to. Obviously they're not putting much money into developing the program and expect screenwriters and productions to just deal with using archaic production tools.

I'm sure Final Draft 9 will have another 3-4 features that every other screenwriting program's had for years when it's released in 2014 or 2015 but I'd rather not wait.

Screenwriter 6 has a few bugs but is very sophisticated and miles ahead of this in pretty much every way. I'm buying that instead and will be encouraging my co-workers to do the same. It's not listed on this site for some reason but check it out, there's a free demo for it.  
(Version 8.0)

LORD LIGHTNING  If this was not supported by the AWG (and what the heck does that mean?), I would not use it at all. CeltX is free. Montage is becoming more and more refined and is slated to merge with Contour; the old draughthorse, Screenwriter Pro, still beats it for sheer reliability and heavy lifting. Oh! You say it integrates with Scrivener and Screenwriter Pro has an apoplectic fit when it tries to? Dang! That means I have to take it seriously all over again. Oh well.   
(Version 8.0)

GRYPHONENT  Purchased Final Draft 4, 5, 6, and 7... all buggy as hell with no support at all after purchase. Bugs remain unfixed and the developer does just not care for customers on the Mac platform. I will not pay another $80 to this company. Proposed colored index cards in version 4 years ago, now they implemented the idea. Have migrated to Montage and Scrivener... better companies, better support, better product!  
(Version 8.0)

THEIVAR  I think this is a great program. No other script-writing programs I've tested lets you write dualogs so fluently.

But the Mac version is instable and not as developed as the pc-version. For example you can't put the zoom to more than 150%, wich is quite annoying if you have a hi-resolution monitor, and not a perfect sight.  
(Version 7.1.3)

KIRSTEN THAYER, PRODUCT MANAGER  As the new product manager for Final Draft, IÂ’d like to respond to some of the comments submitted by readers who are waiting for changes and improvements not addressed in 7.1.3.

IÂ’m pleased with this release even though it doesnÂ’t tackle everything. ItÂ’s come a long way since 7.0 but we know we still have more work to do. My goal (and the goal of any software company) is to ensure that any problems you are exposed to in the next release are no more than minor inconveniences.

For those of you who have constructive feedback, I'm happy to listen. You can email me directly at: pm(AT)finaldraft.com. I canÂ’t promise you youÂ’ll get the answer you are looking for but I promise to be responsive. Also, please assume that if you have a problem that crashes the application, we didnÂ’t encounter it during testing so we want to know about it.

For those of you with specific technical issues, we offer free email and chat support in addition to the 24/7 phone support. We also regularly send to Apple Stores in LA and NYC representatives who can answer your questions face to face. Please visit our website for the details.

Finally, for those of you looking to participate in the development process, we have an active Product Usability Group that provides feedback and direction for the product. I encourage you to sign up: http://www.finaldraft.com/cpp/application.php.  
(Version 7.1.3)

FERRUCCIO BUSONI  Still my favorite screenwriting software, for the following silly reasons:

1. I can trust it — because it is an industry standard, I don't have to worry about formatting, fonts or anything. I just write. ("Just add words.")

2. It has a very simple interface. There's just a window with your script in page layout — or, if you want, note cards next to it.

That said, it isn't work the price if you're presently looking for software — but that is only because of Celtx.  
(Version 7.1.3)

STEVEHOPS  Still the most buggy software I have every used! And I've been using it since version 5.

Still, 7.1.3 has fixed many of the previous bugs, but for the price this should be more stable.

Can't wait to try Celix or Montage. On the Windows side there is Sophocles. They say they are also working on an Mac version.

http://www.sophocles.net/  
(Version 7.1.3)

LORD LIGHTNING  You will experience profound cognitive dissonance if you pay for this. Wait for Movie Magic ScreenWriter Pro, now in very advanced version 6 development. Try Mariner's Montage, which is in the hands of very responsive developers. Better still, try Scrivener which is about to be released as beta version 4 - probably as soon as this weekend). Go to the Scrivener forums to get the information you need.

http://www.literatureandlatte.com/  
(Version 7.1.3)

THEALLSEER  In other non-crappy software news, Celtx is free and just added a lot more new features. Don't waste any of your time or money on this program. It was the defacto standard because there weren't any viable options, but now there is:

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/19246  
(Version 7.1.3)