I have been exploring different mind maps type software for work in schools. Cross platform, free download and ease of use are benchmarks and, like you, I have found VUE to be pretty good. You are right it is the ability to control the software and make the map your own that indicates that it is working. I tried a download of Tony Buzan’s iMind which gives this sort of flexibility but for £49 for a basic user found it too costly.
The presentation tools are quirky but work well once you get the hang of them. Although sometimes I get locked into presentation mode!! Basically you can select the ideas / slides you want to use in a pathway and then it shows then in that order. Good for when you have to try and put into shape a whole mass of thoughts. Good thing is that you can save different pathways creating different routes through the same information. Not yet tried this with children though!!