I think the market will decide if it hits DAZ3D in their pockets or not, when merchants threaten to pull products.  I used Bryce Pro 7.x ( wow, was it 5 already) and until recently, Hexagon 2.5 - which does not launch in my 64-bit system Windows 8.1.

Hex 2.5 won't launch on Windows 8.1?  hm... I'll have to check on mine and see. Got more details about your config or errors seen?