Digital BW, The Print

I am seeking B&W plug-ins for health reasons, namely I had Neurosurgery from repetitive stress injury that required 50 stiches and 6 months recuperation time. Maybe keyboarding 10 hours a day had something to do with it. That said, I am sure different people have different plug - in favorites for rendering B&W digital prints.  My question is specifically about 'virtual photographer.'  Why is it free when most others range in price from $30 to $200?  Is it inferior to others, or is the fact that it is free create the perception it's inferior. Or is it something else? Thanks.