I have found Max logical and stable so far. I also have the factor that my son is going up the learning curve fast in Max at his school.  VRay and Mental Ray on board.

Also, since facial animation is very important to me, a new plugin from Joe (shave and a haircut) Alter called LipService looms large. 

http://www.lbrush.com/

This app combines advanced facial slider animation with a morph brush tool right on board and in real time. The app executes inside Max.

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