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By the "layer intersection" function, I meant, for example, that the "color" intersection takes the color from one layer and transfers it to another. This makes it easy to color various surfaces without losing texture. I'm not exactly an expert in Photoshop, I don't know everything, and it would be difficult to describe some functions. For example, how do you describe the "liquify" function? With it, you can deform an image.
There is, in fact, a free alternative to Maya. This is Blender, which, unlike Paint.NET, is quite popular among professionals.
As for the "deal with one's conscience," that's a separate, very long conversation. Personally, I don't worry about it at all because I am firmly convinced that no one loses anything from my actions, and, on the contrary, they even benefit. For example, Blender is good in itself; its openness and free availability certainly add to its value, but it would still be good even if it were paid.
In short, I think everyone will stick to their own opinion here because we don't really need to go into the nuances of how the two programs work. You may be right that Paint.NET is not worse than others in some ways. But I am still convinced that it is better to familiarize yourself with professional software, whether it is paid or free, given certain circumstances.