yup. You can get around the size aspects of materials by changing the (help me out folks..;) mapping choices. For example, 'parametric' does patterns of 1 size, 'world cubic' makes them much smaller. Past a certain distance, patterns don't make much sense; instead, a smooth texture adds to the charm.

Another thing I haven't played much with is depth of field. If the distant objects are slightly (very slightly) fuzzy, compared to the near ones, that's another visual cue. Can't remember if Bryce can do this or not, but maybe in (heresy!) Postwork?

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

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