You're correct, basicwiz.  I would wish there would be a basic setup to arbitrarily compose your scene and render away to a perfect image.  However, there is too much content created under the earlier Poser versions which, back then, were developed to cope with the lack of understanding how image rendering occurred.  Even presently, the old conventions are still being applied to new content, but I am seeing more vendors utilizing Material Room mathematics to maximize Poser's potential.  Granted, some incorrectness are still manifesting themselves through misconstrued logic, but, just the same, we may be headed in the right direction as the technology is properly developed.  Fortunately, there are valued members that are talented enought to write applicable scripts to change specific overall settings to target nodes or analyze particular application situations and switch on/off parameters as needed (i.e., the presence of active render Gc inactivating material based Gc).  I definitely agree, a formal documentation of Do's & Don'ts would be most beneficial to newcomers, and old, undertaking PoserPro and gamma correction for the first time.  Unfortunately, the marketing strategy for both regular Poser and the Pro series has only led to more confusion and heated debate.  Of course, unlearning old techniques is like trying to teach an old dog new tricks.