I too experienced the disappearing figure when I tried to add the bikini top. But I figured it out as you did. I don't think the manual is a result of "lets hurry up and get this product out" more than it is of poor editing. I have had several 3d applications manuals for different products that have had the same problem. Poor editing. I found that the tutorials on the Curious Labs website don't suffer from this problem. And I totally agree with you, Poser 5 is indeed amazing!!!