The default Max GUI isn't so bad, just needs a bit opf learning, plus if there are bits you really hate, you can customise it. Any of what I would call the big 4 (Max, Maya, XSI, Lightwave) have a steep learning curve and it can be darn frustrating, all of them tend to have good manuals, and some good on line communities though (I've tried them all, plus cinema, amorphium and truspace - I'm a 3d programs addict - I must have 8 or 9 less well known products as well LOL). I always end up coming back to bryce and Max though!

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Toolset: Blender, GIMP, Indigo Render, LuxRender, TopMod, Knotplot, Ivy Gen, Plant Studio.