When SmithMicro took over, I too was worried.  However, since Poser 8's release I can see that SM has proposed a new "road map" for this product (ie: wxPython, Uber-size library support, network/product/content integration ) as well as giving it some long overdo attention (renderer, joints, lights).  Change ain't easy and the road is gonna be a little rough as we get started, but it's a helluva lot better than wandering aimlessly, or going backward.

Many of the benefits of Poser 8 have yet to be touched on and as things unfold your gonna see product and content that simply CAN NOT be done on older versions.  I'm also looking forward to what Poser Pro 2 will offer.

......Definitely worth sticking around

take care