Hmm...  Interesting read.

If there was a Figure Apocalypse:

I think "some" people would move over to DAZ but I think for the most part, people would still be in the "camp" that they are in right now: "Only use DS", "Only use Poser" and "Use a Bit of Both" (which this camp still would have folks that strongly lean towards Poser or DS)  I think folks are inherently stubborn and if they haven't moved already, this will not make them move. Program features or drawbacks are more likely to make someone go elsewhere.

I do strongly feel that somehow the void would be filled.  A figure might be a strong reason to use an app but I don't at all think that it's the prime reason.  At the same time that folks gravitate towards a single figure, they also gravitate towards variety and flexibility.

I agree with a flagship figure (base) will need to be free to have a chance.  This is the bar that we are looking at.  You can't go lower than FREE unless you include more for free than the other guy.

You would need to match or excel the flexibility and basic feature set of the leading figure, including bending ability and user friendliness.

You must have core support from the get-go.  You might not need everything all at once, up front, but you would need to have a core group of individuals, preferrably with some big names in there (not essential as all big names were once little names), who maybe were in on the design team that will pledge support for the figure.

I would love to see this and if it looked serious, I would be along for the ride.

I think the most important thing is that any flagship figure needs competition.  All softwares need competition.  I truly believe it makes better programs or figures when those things are on the line.

.