Oh, and update the manual to reflect new features added in 8 and 8.5.

That's not a big feature request either, in my opinion.  DAZ has acted like the only way to get an updated manual is to hire some expensive 3rd party to analyze Carrara from the ground up as if no one has ever used Carrara before and start from scratch, a project that will take months/years and be oh sooo expensive.

But it's a ridiculous approach, IMO.  We already have a Carrara 7 manual.  Simple make a note on a napkin if you need too of all the features added in 8, and all the features added in 8.5.  It's not a huge list, by the way.  Then assign one of the secretaries in the office to write up a paragraph or 2 on each feature (just ask one of the devs what each feature does, then put a description in english).  Add a screenshot or two sprinkled here and there and then add it all to what's already done in the Carrara 7 manual.  Should take far less than a week, and only take that long if you're secretary is unusually lazy!

Personally I don't care about the manual because I learn better by experimenting, rendering, and asking questions on the forum, but by God DAZ did lead everone to believe there would be a manual, and they should keep that committment.  And frankly it would easily put to rest one of the greatest and most persistant complaints I hear in every Carrara forum.  C'mon DAZ, just get it done!