well that..bites..;) As if everyone uses only a single program to do all their work..right?..;) locking a file from conversion..sheesh..now we know why upgrades take so long..;)
Blender has uses; I mainly use it as a tool (render or animate with it? don't have the patience). You can import the file, then export as another format. It does about 10 or so formats in and out (you can import .3ds, but not export..'scratches head, shrugs'..;) using File Import, and File Export. That's all you'd need to do..if someone hadn't 'locked conversion'..:| Gad, the next thing you know you'll have $99 basketball models out there and...;)

I wish I'd said that.. The Staircase Wit

anahl nathrak uth vas betude doth yel dyenvey..;)