Quote - "To use Reality effectively, one must understand the basics of lighting. It's not a tool for people who are lacking that skill set. Then, there's the understanding of shaders and texturing knowledge required to use the tool effectively."

Aren't those pretty much requirements for using Poser, DAZ Studio etc. effectively? I wouldn't ding Ford for not mentioning that in order to use an F150 effectively you have to know how to drive :-)

 

No, I don't think so.  Many people may employ shaders in DS, but that doesn't mean they understand them, just that they know it will do something that they want it to do, often because someone else told them so.  In fact, I've seen shaders as a source of confusion for many in the forums I browse.

A child using Crayolla crayons to make a landscape scene knows that she wants to use Sky Blue for the sky.  She doesn't necessarily understand how to make Sky Blue, just that it looks right for the sky.  Or midnight blue for a night sky.  She knows how to press the crayon to the paper and make some color rub off onto the paper.  Ask her to explain, and that's about all she'll be able to tell you..."Press the crayon on the paper and move it around and it makes color." 

Dana