I really want to like KiCad but, at this point, I can't get past the current work flow. I've read all the pros on it already. What I am looking for is the ability to build a preferred part library. Most CAD packages I've looked at allowed building a library by tying a schematic symbol to a footprint, adding various information such as vendor, vendor part number, and other basic BOM stuff, and then saving it in a library as a component. For example, the PIC18F46K22 symbol is tied to a 44-TQFP footprint with the Digikey part number of PIC18F46K22T-I/PTCT-ND and stored in the library as PIC18F46K22T-I/PT. Since this is my processor of choice, I would be able to pull it from the library and use it in my design knowing that the footprint and ordering info is correct. Has anybody found a way to implement what I described?
For me, the lone engineer that does schematic, layout, component purchase, and assembly, I require certain things to make my job a bit easier to maintain. I know up front what components I plan to use because I tend to use what I have in stock. New parts are built into library components, ordered, and put into inventory.