I used to get involved in this type of dissuasion. Although not about 3D software but rather platform choice. Mac Vs. PC. I find it kind of a wast of time now and days since people that use PC are familiar and conformable with there choice and usually dislike Macintosh, if anything, just because it's deferent and they are not proficient with them. I use both platforms on daily basses and will always stick with the Mac. But I have learned that the tools don't make the artist, and in the end, people are the ones that drive these tools. Just take a look at what Brain Taylor has accomplished with his low-end tool set. This is a perfect example that just because you spend a lot of money on something, it doesn't translate in to better quality work. It's rather the dedication and talent that count. He is not using Maya, not even Cinema for that matter. Even Maya, with all it's belles and whistles can produce crappie work when used by untalented unskilled hands. Take a look at the Maya Gallery, I am not impressed at all by a lot of the work produced their. The reason I like Macs is the same reason I like Carrara, they are easy to use.