Mark.. I've been using the 4.5(daz)/2.5(reality) combo since the day they were both released.  I'm not sure what you've been reading and where; but, those who are having problems with 4.5 are probably the same people who are using Windows 98 due to compatibility issues.  When it comes upgrading studio, I'd suggest just trying it.  Don't install it, use it for 5 minutes, declare it to be crap and uninstall it.  Give it a few weeks.  Myself, I find it indispensible now as you no longer have to use the transfer utility for 98% of your content.  With the new dson formats you have cross platform functionality between DS and Poser and (for me) it's just slicker and sleeker.

The second thing I wanted to address is your wish to not put your original post in the reality render thread.  I can understand the thought pattern with most forums; but, it's a horse of a different color when it comes to the reality forum.  Most of us are there period to show off our work, explain how we did it and to help others overcome their issues.  I can't even begin to count how often I've been helped over various hurdles in there.  Most of the time by Paolo himself.. and usually within a couple of minutes.  I've never had to wait more than an hour or two to get an informed semi-professional (or professional in the case of Paolo) answer for any of my reality issues.  It's why we're there.  So don't be afraid of posting a question, render, WIP or whatever in the Reality thread.  The REASON why it's at 230+ pages is because we're there all the time helping each other.