I'm just going to add my two cents to the discussion here cause I've been one of the "affected"...

 

I started working with Poser almost 12 years ago and ever since got to appreciate how powerful the FireFly engine can be but certainly also where it's limits are. Like stated here by other posters it's really all about how well you learn how to handle the tools of the trade.

I decided to purchase Octane 2 weeks ago and upgrade my computer too in order to benefit from the advantages that come with pure GPU rendering. To be quite honest I wouldn't want to EVER go back again now there I see how much an unbiased rendering engine can enrich your work - provided you know how to handle it. It really is - in some areas - a whole different ballgame and you certainly have to take into account that you will be sitting there in front of your monitor adjusting and replacing materials so that the rendering engine can do it's unbiased magic.

 

Speaking of which - I already had a go with the Reality 3 Plug-In about 3 months ago but just didn't want to cope with the long rendertimes anymore. It may sound weird to some of you but I'm just not the kind of guy that leaves his PC on for two days just to finish a render...

Now I have FASTER rendering times with BETTER quality (after a hefty gpu upgrade) - win win so to speak. In the long run I really think that GPU rendering will see more appearances in the industry BECAUSE of the a.m.

 

Ultimately I really have to stress that it doesn't really matter WHAT you chose to work with but HOW you work with it and how WELL you know your toolset. I happen to have decided for Poser + Octane but it really is up to everybody to decide for themselves.