I've done some work with Poser 7 at a friends computer, still own Poser 4, but browsing through the content is a PITA, as stated before, you can arange DAZ|Studio to your likings, which largely enhances the workflow.
Just placing the lights is easy, you look through your light and place it on the spotand if you use DreamLight's SpotlightPointer you even see the fall-off aera, makes lightning a fun part of creating. Now we are waiting for the pointlight pointer, uses the same tools for the pointlight.
You said "Don't talk money", but me and others  used their money to buy plug-ins for DS to make it even more effektif, I think I spend as much money for plug-ins as you did for Poser, but I have a tighter control over DS then you over Poser.
Posing is as well easier, using PowerPose or Puppeteer!
Need IBL, we got it and easier to use than in Poser. AO? pwSurface (you pay for it) or Pendragon, a free plug-in.
Want to use a tattoo on a skin without changing the original skin? Layered Image Editor.
Want to compare two different renders without quiting the program? Render Album.

Only things missing (for the moment!) are the Material Room (but you have a free plug-in to have a even greater control over your materials) and the Cloth Room(?), but this will arrive later.

You are talking about some sketch-style renders, as mentioned before, there is pwSketch.

And, one important thing, in DS I can create scenes with a higher poly-count than in Poser!

Ever tried to integrate a 3D-character into a photo? With shadows and reflections? Have a look at pwCatch!

Just my point of view!

Peter