ockham:

As a user of DS and Poser, I agree with you that DS seems better suited at "default" settings for quick renders regarding hard/soft issues with models.  I have the same problems in my model testing.  But I am only a hobbyist renderer without the latest versions, or a decent PC, and have not yet ventured into the advanced levels cited in this thread.

Having said that and after reading thread, several experts here have proven Poser is quite capable of rendering models correctly if created correctly by author.

pjz99, bagginsbill, stonemason:  (or anyone with help)

I am trying to break onto author/vendor scene.  Gave away a few freebies using same technique as stonemason with hard/soft groups - splitting verts.  For simple non-morphing props this seemed fine, but the project I am on now requires morph targets externally created which require 'watertight' model.  I am having same problem as ockham, and I will go back and retest in Poser 6 with all I learned here so far.  I am creating specifically for Poser and DS, but I don't have access to versions you might use, and would appreciate any help you guys might offer.  Models are non-organic with discernible hard edges.  I did not close proximity bevel or chamfer, because poly counts are high enough already, but if I have to remodel I will.

Thank you in advance,
Take care all...
Ken