Engino looks interesting for older kids. But I think that Lego compatible stuff would be way more fun with younger kids.
I have been involved in the Lego MOC and Alt Build community recently via rebrickable.com and I disagree that the creativity is gone.
Also, tools like webrick.com make it possible to build stuff without paying the Lego markup. I really think that the Lego system is something the whole world owns at this point due to patents being expired and it should be that way.
I'm not sure where the breakpoint for "younger" and "older" is, but I've done Engino with kids as young as 2nd grade, but they do need help pulling pieces apart sometimes. By 4th or 5th grade, it's ideal.
One of the things elementary school kids like about it is that it's possible to build big things.
Younger than Engino, and I like normal blocks (wooden or foam) and Magnatiles.
I wasn't familiar with webrick. That's something to perhaps explore at some point.
I have been involved in the Lego MOC and Alt Build community recently via rebrickable.com and I disagree that the creativity is gone.
Also, tools like webrick.com make it possible to build stuff without paying the Lego markup. I really think that the Lego system is something the whole world owns at this point due to patents being expired and it should be that way.