Poser as a software doesn't need to be free. I'd be alright with the current prizing, BUT !!!...
the step from Poser 10 to Poser 11 has just been an impertinent disaster. 
It would have been an appropriate apology, to offer the upgrade to Poser 12 for free, instead we got nothing more for our money, than a few cycles rip off touch ups.

and still, I have not seen any breath taking Poser renders yet, that makes use of Superfly improvements.
Poser renders still have that brownish, flat oil painted appeal. 
And yes, Poser must be capable of more, for I have seen exceptions from the rule. A rare bunch of Poser renders, that are indeed good.
The first and only coming to my mind are renders by Erogenensis, that are always amazing.
Some folks actually also praise Poser's animation tools, which are way better, than DS' tools.
List to do for Poser developers:
- Better native figures (Stop being sloppy in your figures development)
- Better figure system (Joints, rigging and more)
- Better render and shader system + a real time render system like eevee, IClone or unreal

As soon a new Poser team gets back to work and comes out with a good result, I am happy to pay my 300$ for an upgrade.