Mike,
I still like to write any classically oriented ideas I have down on staff paper because I find it faster for me. I've used Finale and I find that it's great for playback of multiple instruments, especially when writing out string quartet parts and other things I can't fully "playback" in my head. I really believe that the skill of "playing back" music in your head as if you were a conductor looking at a score could be lost if students use Finale or Sibelius from an early age. Music notation is a great skill to have and practice. I get rusty if I'm not doing it on a regular basis...
Nate