As about Poser Pro - SM said (and even stressed the fact that) it would be a completely independent line of licenses, so unless they change their mind, P8 is not P8 Pro, which will be a different app (now obviously the question is, what will P8 Pro have that P8 hasn't, but I guess we're not there yet).

As about the interface change, while I got used to it, I do not worry if it's bagginsbill who worked on the new one, for a very simple reason: He's a Poser user.
He does know Poser users' needs and wishes...

Well, mixed feelings here. Hoping for the best (lots of new features, global illumination, state-of-the-art render times, well, everything DAZ Studio already has...), yet fearing the big disappointment (some minor goodies thrown in just to call it a new version). You need nerves of steel when you're a Poser user...   :-D