the problem with leadwerks is it only supports cards with 3.0 and higher and needs a very (not even semi-high) card to run well, which is good if you want your game to be released in a year or two, but for games that are small and quick to make you cant count on much of the population having it. (they recommend an nvidia 8800 which is relatively expensive, like $150 for one.)
This engine is surely not made to produce another casual game for kids and women. If that is what you want to make then use TGB or Gamestudio for that.
Actually a game technology powering a new ambitious project has to be a few years ahead. Why should I start a new project with shader 1.x if I finish it in a few years? Most shader 2 games look old-school even today.
Just use the tool that meets your needs!
