I don't use bryce now beyond the render. More importantly I never turn on bryce and get inspired - my starting point now is to model something and take it from there
 There are those events in your life -  9/11, death of Princess of Wales, birth of my daughter and Bryce which stick with you.
I've lokked at C4d, Vue amongst many others (octane) and am taking a serious glance at terragen.
Someone talk me round!