Attached Link: Carrara's Key Features

In answer to your question Chris, I am happy to report that Carrara5 standard does let you copy instances. This is done through either the Replicator, or the Surface Replicator. These do almost the same thing, but in different ways. There is a video tut showing mass replication of trees with the Surface Replicator on the Eovia site(towards the bottom of the page) just click on the graphic and a video demonstration will open.  Newest update/patch for Carrara gives the ability to animate trees, adds a terrific modeling manipulator tool like Hexagon's, and several other great features. I've never regretted buying Carrara. It lets me compete with the "big dogs" in a lot of ways, for a lot less money.