I never considered exploring 3D until D|S was first released in 2006.  It was free, so I figured what the heck.  When I first loaded it, I found it extremely difficult to figure out, but after going through the tutorial I found I had grasped the basic concepts of 3D modeling - and how to use D|S - in about two hours.  The most difficult challenge for me was understanding content organization.  I spent the next three years tinkering with it whenever I was in the mood, and finally completed my first series of renders last year.

Today, I'm going through the same learning process with Poser.

It all boils down to taking time to learn how to use the product.

As for compatibility issues, well, that's why I'm switching to Poser.  There's a lot more content out there for it, and its community support is enormous.