I'll disagree and say that Photoshop is faster and simpler, why? Because I'm better with it.
Use whatever graphics program you're best with.
First of all if you're only using gradients and layer effects like multiple borders most of that stuff can be done with CSS now.
The links below are for buttons and shapes but you can apply those effects to anything:
http://blog.anomalyinnovations.com/2010/03/creating-a-realis...
http://net.tutsplus.com/tutorials/html-css-techniques/build-...
http://net.tutsplus.com/tutorials/html-css-techniques/quick-...
Also photoshop is just as competent at saving images with those effects if you convert it to a smart object and rasterize it first.
Also the learning curve to do stuff faster with Fireworks than Photoshop is maybe 30 minutes, it's that simple.
2. Everything was explicit, there were no insinuations.
3. You aren't allowed to downvote replies to your own comment even if you had higher karma.
These are the two most important to me:
1) Don't use Adobe Photoshop. Use Adobe Fireworks. It's faster and simpler and everything you need for web stuff (gradients, masks, etc.). Use PNGCrush on any PNGs to remove all the extra info and layers before deploying.
2) Spacing\padding is one of the most important things that determines how professional a site looks to users, even if they can't verbalize it. For navigation buttons or tabs, a background height to inner font-height ratio of 2:1 looks way more professional than 1:1.