Winols is only really better than free stuff online for the following reasons;
* It lays things out clearly with colour contrasts and in terms of map changes between 2 files.... things like HxD can easily direct you to differences between 2 same but modified files (F6), just doesn't look as good in it!
* It can change other maps/data, related to the map data you change better than other tools (handy if you're not au fait with the ecu structure/FS)
* It has checksum modules where other similar hex tools may not (modern flash tools, ecufix etc can sort that)
* You have a re-seller database with lots of mod files available to re-do for customers (good for pro's/lack of time)
* Less buggy than free stuff
So if you're going pro then yep, prob an awesome tool, if you're just looking at one or a few cars, learn the system, use the ols demo for the layout/educational aspects and get a flash tool with a checksum button/ecufix/learn the CRC's on the files/protocols of flashing tools that cover them etc and use any hex editor if your ecu is not compatible with the Nefmoto stuff that does a lot for most ME7 nowadays!
Or, just harass Trev, PRJ and others to do a gui/.exe that all you have to do is press a button and it cooks your breakfast, dresses you and gives you a good blow.....dry, ready for the day ahead!
http://nefariousmotorsports.com/forum/index.php?topic=14857.0title=P.S. Was wondering how many of you pro coder types have looked at the ecufix source code thing and thought about it or, I assume, these things are being covered in these swiss-army types of development with the layouts of the 167/st10 mods you're doing?
https://www.ecufix.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=238