Well, as man who used NC in ages, I can say that main problem with both DN and VC is different key mapping and menu schematics.
Yes, VC is much lighter (mostly because it strips of most "advanced" features of NC, like DBF/BMP/anything viewers, extensive search and such) - but it's not a problem now.
DN is really
better than NC (and I said exactly that in previous post - sorry if I messed it). But it's main problem is that it's
not NC.
If you are not accustomed to NC, well, it can do. Otherwise it will be whole lot of mess, and why? To run several old games?
Yes, I am aware that mentioned programs are free/shareware. But NC is here, on Abandonia. I suppose, it means that it can be used freely anyway.
Again, if it's still not clear: I think that at least VC and DN are good programs, as is. (I didn't see Star Commander). But if you are worked with NC, this programs are mess, because they are too similar to NC in appearance - and simultaneously are totally different in many mappings, that made a lot of unnecessary confusion. In that, and only that sense they are "poor substitutes".
(Also, exactly this issue was the reason why I switched from NC to Windows Commander absolutely flawless, but wasn't able to accustom to Far at all.