Attached Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb75uyVWHXE

I'd say Carrara looks pretty good. Dunno about the bugginess (I've heard others complain), but I'm finding that 5.1 Pro version offered with the 3D World promotion isn't too bad. The current 6.x versions still need some work from what I understand, but they're getting there. (I may upgrade myself if enough things get ironed out.) The video I linked shows some neat workflow stuff. Some things are pretty close to how Bryce works, and a lot can be done by drag n' drop. Dunno how much that's changed since you've tried it last.

Also you'll notice a big improvement with render speed (unless you turn up the settings), doing some animation might begin to look more interesting.

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Barbequed Pixels?

Your friendly neighborhood Wings3D nut.
Also feel free to browse my freebies at ShareCG.
There might be something worth downloading.