I'd like the lighting reworked in Poser, but the rest of it is okay with me.
I've used it for years and years and I'm comfortable with it.
Don't like dials? So use the numeric input. It's there.

Maybe I misread, but I think you want D|S not Poser. I don't need to edit textures in Poser, I have better programs to do that with, that give me far more flexibility than an in-built (which would bloat it) graphics editor.
Poser has nodes, which I prefer over bloated textures when I can use them.

Yeah the app has flaws, we all know that.
Comparing it to Max / Maya is... silly. Even comparing it to ZBrush is silly. It's not the same thing, it's not even close.
And if you wanted Poser to be more in line with Max and Maya - then it will also come with the appropriate pricetag.
Besides which... When I buy Poser, I know all the bits in it will work.
When I buy a base app (or in D|S case it's free) and then I have to spend megabucks to get plugins, which stop to work at every upgrade... no thanks.
You have to weigh it up for yourself, but personally... nah.

I do agree that releasing the Poser SDK would be a smart move because I think we could see some very cool plugins from such a move.
However, this is a hobby. If I want to pursue it professionally - I get the appropriate software.

Silke