I tried Gimp also in the past and didn't like it at all, I hated the interface as well.
Exactly how i felt. Its funny I hated the interface too until i was forced to use it for a week. :D (I still dislike the default settings but i had no idea how configurable it is)
Try making the modifications i mentioned above, if you use PSP shortcuts, map those too it makes it much more pleasurable to use.
(especially the "menu key" one -to bring up the tools, then open all the dialogues and drag them to the tabber below the tools palette :)