Quote - . But wanting SSS is a figure-centric desire, whereas GI applies to everything. Given I can only have one, I take GI.

i respect that. but poser is used more for rendering humans. and i think that with SSS  the humans would look better then just with GI.
because belive me on CGsociety when you see renders of humans or monsters with skin(SSS) a lot of them dont use GI.
but really i am not complaining. like you said SM gave people what they wanted. and if this is what they wanted i am happy that they got it. i  hope they will enjoy GI.