Quote - I like Blender, ironically I was using those brush tools just yesterday for a project I'm working on (and still need to finish).  I had planned on eventually getting 3D Studio Max when I could afford it, but with the way Blender keeps improving I may not. Many of the same tools are there, they're just not as easy to find.

I've been using Lightwave since my Amiga days. Unless someone is paying you to use any suite, IMHO you should stick to Blender.

I've been forcing myself to learn Blender because I know it's not going anywhere. No subscription garbage, Upgrades have been nothing short of incredible. The code it out there and some one will always pick it up and improve it even if the current infrastructure somehow collapses entirely.

Quote -> Quote - Maybe someone with the skills could start a Kickstarter.

You'd get my vote for that.

Sadly I don't even have the programming skills to even supervise the project.  But I would totally sign on for it.

mo·nop·o·ly  [muh-nop-uh-lee]
noun, plural mo·nop·o·lies.
1. exclusive control of a commodity or service in a particular market,
or a control that makes possible the manipulation of prices