....I would think that most folks get into 3D by setting up scenes and rendering or posing figures. Much easier and less time consuming than learning to make meshes. And prolly most of the non-professionals either arent interested enough to discipline themselves to do it (because it is not a real easy learning process for us mortals) or dont have the time. 
 There are however many nice freebies out there as well as some excellent ones you can buy (Meshbox). 
 Of course consider what they are interested in doing and seeing....we as human can be forgiven for being preoccupied with the human as subject. Maybe we should run a poll and see what people say.....?