Great topic Christine and yes, lots of different answers. I think it is pretty much agree that if you have the time, computer/card memory and inclination, shoot in RAW. You will have a higher quality image to work from and more flexibility as well. However, for most non-pro situations, high quality JPEGs are probably good enough. Like Geert, I was trained as a graphic designer (and a fine artist before that). We were always encouraged to "doodle", even by the photography professors. The maxium seemed to be, "Make the best possible image you can in-camera, but don't let that stifle your creativity." The photo was a jumping off point for the artist/photographer to give the image their own personal interpretation, which I find to be one of the most compelling elements of most photographs. You may see something in your own mind that the camera is not quite capable of capturing. I think of photographers as artists so personally think adjusting the final image to meet one's artistic vision is perfectly acceptable.

Kort Kramer - Kramer Kreations