Lets add: a SIMPLE way to render out in a multi-pass mode. Effects seperate from geometry, seperate from reflections, seperate from shadows, etc, etc, etc. a SIMPLE wa to "un-invisible all" at render time. The "Show in 3D view" doesn't hold if you go in and out of a group, or change views, or close and re-open the program!? a SIMPLE way to change an attribute to all similar items. Some other programs create instances as TRUE instances. If I dupe a light, C calls it an instance. BUT, if I change it's settings, then each one is different. In 3DMax, for instance, (no pun intended ;>) if you dupe, it asks if you want an instance or a clone. An instance references back to ALL copies for settings. A clone allows for each to have individual settings.