plug me in!

Hi Guys, I think this Cow rocks!
I have been editing with Avid Express DV 3.5 ten weeks now, I need (want?) more effects, but I'm getting confused, this plug ins thing is new to me, I dont know where to start.

I've been told that After effects is a waste of time, because you have to export and import again the secuence.
But with Elastic Gasket I can use After Effects plug ins within Avid (without export and importing), can I? Can I also use other plug ins with Elastic that they not from A/E?
Shall I forget About A/E and buy other plug ins? are they all compatible?

I can't expent too much money,
I'm after some motion effects (speedramp?) Lighting effects, distortion and some color effects and I want to work from the Avid. Am I asking too much? Oh yes! and I want them to be simple, fast to render and that they bring me breakfast in bed!!
Sorry Guys, I'm losing it, so confused...
Some light into it will be much apreciated,
Thanks
Jordi