"Having to make excuses to clients because of the limitations of my software isn't really an acceptable option for the type of work that I do"

So STOP MAKING EXCUSES. All a customer is interested in is the FINAL product. No one cares whose fault it is, if it isn't up to specs, then it's unacceptable.

"When I show my work to people, sometimes they make comments about the figures or objects not looking real. Well, my answer to that is this; It can be very time-consuming and expensive to get texture and volumetric maps that fit on models-especially human/organic models that look realistic."

One word: Post-production!!!

"but for now I have to be content with my images the way they are"

Again...post-production. Making excuses does absolutely nothing to make the image any better

"Keep in mind that when someone is forced to use a lower-level graphics program i.e., under $1000 US dollars, the default models are pretty well going to look like shiny plastic to start with"

Why should I keep that in mind when I'm buying a T-shirt? I'm interested in the FINAL product, not your love-hate relationship with your tools. Why would any skilled person use the WRONG tools to develop a product. Blaming the tools is extremely unprofessional.

"Until I am able to afford higher-end programs or utilities for the skins, the models are simply going to look very much like toys."

So why should I buy your product now--why shouldn't I wait until the models in your image look less toylike?

"So before you criticize too harshly, just remember that trying to make something on a computer that looks "live" can be a very complicated endeavor"

But...it can be done, and it can be done WELL! If YOU want the credit for a particular piece of art, then YOU need to take responsibility for it; instead of putting the burden on the critics or the software companies.

"and those of us who don't have deep pockets have a harder time getting our "toys" to look good."

Okay--now the blame shifts to financial limitations. If you're trying to sell yourself as a professional artist, then you'd better be prepared for the business expenses (or the time required to clean up the images)

"Just thought you could use that information"

As a potential client--that disclaimer should save me a LOT of major headaches.