"But listen - you have a bunch of props, 4 (FOUR) unimesh figures - and they are all clothed. I for one am not at all surprised it slows down. That's how many figures total?" That is strange statement indeed, something, a remark someone would make years ago. With nowadays technology a scene like that shouldn't be a problem at all. A million vertices is hardly anything anymore. But, you have to take in consideration that most people never grow beyind using 1 or 2 figures and some props in Poser (just check out the galleries). To them 4 clothed people is a lot. Most of the poeple never use Poser beyond 1 hardly clothed figure and that isn't a challenge for a pc at all.

Artwork and 3DToons items, create the perfect place for you toon and other figures!

http://www.renderosity.com/mod/bcs/index.php?vendor=23722

Due to the childish TOS changes, I'm not allowed to link to my other products outside of Rendo anymore :(

Food for thought.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYZw0dfLmLk