i have been using elements 12 for about 4 or 5 months. I also use photo director 5. I have been reading this thread with interest. Normally if the program says I can't do something in 16, I just let it convert to 8. Now having just returned from America with a good selection of pics I was looking forward to getting started. I had a selection ready to stitch together as a panorama. Guess what! When I tried to select them from my folder it said can't work with 16 and also didnt give me the option to convert. It was then I saw the upgrade for elements 13. Bet that works with 16 cos,,,,well it's an update. Wrong. So will I buy 13 after only having 12 a short time. Big no on that one. Photo director 5 is about the same price, works with 16, has lots of presets, similar functions and has got an update to 6 ready to download.
I Don't want, can't afford Photoshop and it seems 16 bit support has been left out on purpose, not because it isn't wanted.
if and when you go in development for elements 14, please put a sign on the blackboard,,,,,Must Try Harder