Ok Pete here's my feet ;o) Just kidding but I learned max without one class. It's really not that hard. Just getting used to the interface is really the hardest part. Don't forget to mention that the plugins themselves can put a big dent in your savings. Some are quite expensive. you can't model in poser or bryce. Well bryce sort of. I've seen equally nice work from all of the big contenders but max just seemed the most versital.