Well I'm a hobbyist and post to the gallery and I "MUST" have shadows in my scene. The only time I may knock one or two out of the render is if they look dumb on an imported background for instance. Oh! and as for waiting for it to render, I actually render my shadows seperate from the image and combine them in PS7, that way if they do look shit, I can soften them, lighten them, rub some out, whatever but I always have shadows! Not all hobbyists do it just for the comments!

Injustice will be avenged.
Cofiwch Dryweryn.