Poser Pro 2014 (poser 10 Pro version) is often discounted.
If you have predominately legacy content (like I do!) I wouldn't jump to Poser 11.
I wouldn't bother to install PP 2012 unless you need the serial number to upgrade to PP2014. I don't remember if it's cheaper to upgrade from PP 2012 or P10.
DSON works nicely with PP2014 and P11 but yes, in order to use DSON, you have to have DS installed and you have to install the DS version of the item to the DS library... But once you have imported it in to Poser, you can save it as Native Poser item.... There may be issues with this that I'm not remembering. (ACK!! I'm beginning to sound like a politician!! I'm sorry!) I have so much content for Mike & Vickie 4, I can't get too excited about buying new clothing for more invisible friends!

Smith Micro is a software company. They are very good at making software, but not so hot at making content for that software. My favorite of the Characters SM gives us is Andy... he's got some silly morphs and is light weight and versatile

;>

Andy!