I suspect people use the same bits of s/ware, hence not a big list. From your parts cut wish list, I would say that Aspire is more than you need. To summarise some options:

For CAD here are some suggestions:
BobCAD (also has some CAM)
RhinoCAD
AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT etc.
Solidworks

For toolpath creation and Gcode creation here are some 2D options:
Cut2D (also has some CAD creation)
Sheetcam (never used)
Cambam (also has some CAD creation)
[You may have found Lazycam - wouldn't bother with this]

and 3D toolpath and gcode options (sounds like you will be OK with just 2D, which is cheaper):
Cut3D
VCarve

For postprocessing and cutting out your work:
Mach3 (PC)
EMC2 (Linux)

I use AutoCAD2000, VectricCUT2D, and Mach3 for my workflow and it does all my 2D work with ease. Hope this gives you something to investigate further.