I'll just toss out a comment on the cost thing...

I'm spoiled and I admit it.  When I can get serious 3D rendering software for free (Daz) or less than 1/2 the cost of Lightwave (PPro) then I find myself falling into the "why should I pay $50 for that model?" mindset.  Worse, a LOT of what I end up using is worth easily twice what I paid for it (and yes, I would have paid that much for things I need for my Webcomic).

I'm not a modeler, I can't push polygons to sav emy life, so I have to rely on Talented Others(tm).  And right now I can get incredible models for dirt cheap, so I take advantage.  But every so often I see something I have to have, that's not in the sub-$30 range, and I go ahead and invest (while wincing).  Yet even 5 years ago I'd have had to pay a modeler $$$$$ for something like a Stonemason set or a PowerAge armor!

I'm spoiled rotten.  I suspect a lot of people are, it's an embarassment of riches in a buyers market.

Maybe if Poser/DS/etc. would gain more acceptance as a "legit artists tool" (and no, I'm not trying to start a flame war etc.) we'd see more semi-pro/pro iusers willing to pay for higher-end models, because they in turn will make a return on investment selling their artwork.

I'm not making a penny with what I'm doing.  I don't expect to make a penny from it, ever.  So I'm kind of lokced into the "hobbyoist level" of willingness to suffer financial pain with a Poser content purchase.

Ok, rant over.