OK, I feel like a bit of a dunce here, but here goes.
I generally have my render shading rate at 0.2, which is also the same rate for figure parts etc by default. I used to have my shading rate lower but then I found out  that going below 0.2 in the render settings will have no effect if the body parts aren't also changed to below 0.2. Now my question is this, do I need to change every single body part's shading rate? I ask this because there are so many parts if you include just what's in the hand alone. Is there a way with one click that the entire body's shading rate can be changed, or will a python script be needed for this. I've tried a search but couldn't find anything. I guess I can ask over at the Python Scripting section.
Thanks.

The shading rate for an item is the higher of the rate set on the item and the rate set in the Render Settings.

If you need a small shading rate value, you therefore must adjust both the value in the Render Settings and the value on any body parts or props that need a lower shading rate.

I think somebody did do a script to set everything in the scene to a shading rate of 0, allowing the Render Settings value to determine the shading rate.

we'll try to find out who wrote the script that changes all objects' shading rates. something to add to the poser 8 alpha, anyway. along with steve's texfiltering script.

Thanks nruddock & Miss Nancy.
I hope I can get my hands on a script, it would just save so much time than having to go through each body part. 
I've just been using the texture filtering script & that is a good time saver as well.

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?message_id=1968722&ebot_calc_page#message_1968722

It's P5 vintage, but I'm sure it can be tweaked if there are problems with P7.

Be warned however, lowering min shading below 0.2 (with the bodyparts set to 0 etc) can add a heap of render time. Nice details though.

setting 'em all to zero means that the setting for all of 'em becomes whatever's in the render settings screen (as mentioned by noel above).

Thanks for the links nruddock & Miss Nancy, very much appreciated. I'll be doing a test later on today, I'll let you know how it works.

carodan - I'm one of those people who don't mind waiting hours & hours for renders to finish, it's all about the finished picture. I render alot in Vue with spectral atmospheres etc so long render times are the norm for me!

I should have gone to bed, but I had to give it a try. Yes, the script works!!
Again, thanks alot.