dr_bernie...

I'm surprised you didn't mention the 800lbs Gorilla sitting in the room which the other 3D software makers should worry about. Blender isn't that bad right now (I find it reasonably usable despite it's reputation and my own failure to get anywhere with older versions) and it costs $0.00. With a few more features tacked on, and a bit more polish, even the likes of C4D or 3DS/Maya might have to worry.

Only thing Blender misses vs. Carrara are some presets, add-on content libraries, and quick loading of DAZ3D or Poser figures. Some of the other aspects in terms of producing FX, rigging, material setup, Python plugins/add-ons, or render settings are already (don't want to say it here, but being honest) better.

I even made a video comparing the two. I think there are some other Carrara users more apt to make a proper comparison with Blender, yet my video may give some users an idea of how to do the same things with both software if they want to give it a try.

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Barbequed Pixels?

Your friendly neighborhood Wings3D nut.
Also feel free to browse my freebies at ShareCG.
There might be something worth downloading.