Bottom line it really depends on what you want to do...then look at the software packages that fit your needs. I think in general we always think we will use all those "great, high-end" features, but the reality, at least for me, is that I don't (ever check out www.rustboy.com?). Mark's post (#7) makes alot of sense so read it again. I own C4D, C4Pro, LW, and a few others. Each have their own strengths and weaknesses but workflow is very subjective so try the demos like you mentioned. Plugins are becoming a bigger and bigger part of packages. Hell, watch LW load a scene and watch the list of plugins... C4D because of gaining popularity has more people developing great plugins everyday. LW probably has the largest plugin database of the three packages listed by far. If price is a major factor then pound for pound, feature for feature, LW wins, followed by C4Pro and C4D. But if you don't like the workflow of LW then it really doesn't matter does it? Demo, demo , demo it and look at the forums and galleries. Best of luck