First question - which is the most populated board here? Is there some sorta place every goes to for general discussion? The only specific software I have listed is TrueSpace 7.

Second - Looking for a freeware model painting software but can't use anything that is CAD or 3DS specific. I have Tattoo but it's not all that useful. I also have Future Paint 3D which is awesome but I think it's a trial thing - does anyone know if features shut off on Future Paint 3D?
What would be really helpful would be finding a plug-in that would allow me to import and manipulate 3D models in GIMP or Photo POS Pro.

Third - What is the most visited forum site regarding graphics? I signed up with some elite community site but I'm absolutely novice and not looking to go commercial with this. Just looking for some place that is laid back, liberal and not as serious.

Due to being a jobless slob I'm currently restricted to freeware programs only. 
Have tortured myself with TrueSpace 7, have watched 3D Canvas lock up and crash repeatedly and have yet to successfully load a model with texturing into Art of Illusion. Removed Moray and POV off my system once I realized the programs were more for serious engineers and Serif 3D Plus is too bare bones. Rheingold is cool but can't save or export in the trial version so I'm left with CB Model Pro and Teddy Smooth which are much easier to work with but Teddy is still in alpha stages so is very unstable. Amazingly, CB, even though Beta, is quite polished.

Any advice or direction would be GREATLY appreciated.