This sounds similar to the free version of Daz Studio but if Poser Debut can't compete on that same level as the free version of Daz Studio then I'm not sure anyone is going to be interested in buying something that does less than the free version of Daz Studio.

Just based on the Poser workshops that I teach, it seems as if Poser Debut has been reduced to the bare minimums that's actually required to render decent art.  Poser itself is powerful enough to create good renders (in my opinion) with using the basics. The majority of the art in my gallery rarely goes beyond the basics (meaning no material changes or advanced lighting). Many beginners and intermediates are confused by the intermediate and advance features of Poser so maybe Smith Micro is working on a Beginner's Version of Poser?

Either way, if it falls behind the free version of Daz Studio then I don't think it will do to well. Not unless it has some really good beginner automated features.