One would think that this cadre of DAZ vendors would be content to revel in their newfound riches, with benign indifference to what's going on with Poser.

If your Genesis & D/S vendoring is as prosperous as you say, then why waste your time here trying to convince us to abandon ship?  Go forth into your golden future and leave us poor Poser wretches to our miserable fate.     

Got poser version from 2010 to 2014 game dev and game dev was definitly my latest!
Sorry but if SmithMicro would come up with new poser versions and ask $499 for this program, then it need a complete rebuild from the beginning and lot's more of innovation. at a price range from $499 i expect realtime dynamics and realtime softbody and parenting features that work a lot easier then it 's available today in poser. the feature of poser is Blender but not anymore at a price range max around $100  poser is not worth $499 anymore, there is no powerfull innovation.

The days of 3d milking in poserworld are over.
Indie versions available of Modo and Maya LT and a free Blender alternative.
Zbrush and 3dCoat all around same price range only difference those other software really works well.