Best Programmer's Image Editor for OSX [closed]

Question

I'm looking for recommendations for a programmer's image editor for OSX. I'm looking for something for preparing images for use in software and web applications - I'm not a graphic designer. On Windows I'd use Paint.NET. GIMP is not the answer (flakey and a disaster with Spaces)

Must haves

• crop, resize canvas etc
• resample, bicubic or better
• unsharp mask or similar sharpening
• levels
• colour balance
• layers and associated tools for assembling several images into a composite
• transparency
• RGBA.
• CMYK optional
• anti-aliased text
• editable paths for clear cutting would be nice
• payware ok]]
• reliable

Update June 2011: Settled on Pixelmator after trying various various suggestions, below, and am pretty happy with it.

Answer 1

I'm more of a vector artist (so Inkscape/Illustrator) but I think Pixelmator should suit your needs. You get a lot of punch for your money.

Answer 2

Even though Photoshop is the most powerful editor there is, if you want something simpler (and cheaper) you could try Acorn.