If weight isn't a big thing you could save some money and get an aluminum tripod. With those being cheap and sturdy, you're not afraid to use it in less than desirable situations. Manfrotto, among others, make good-valued options in either aluminum or carbon. Induro is another popular brand. Benro are copies of gitzo tripods. Heads for your tripod are a different story. Arca-swiss compatible is a plus for me. Not fond at all of the Manfrotto stop sign-shaped plate or the locking method.
Elements will get most anything "fancy" done. CS5 or CS6 is loaded with stuff you'll never use if you're only into photography. I prefer Lightroom as my editor/catalog because it is built around a photographer's frame of mind. Nothing wrong with the free DDP. I'm just used to LR.