And max and cararra and cinema and maya, IIRC they all have the ability to do complex procedural shaders.  I know for sure Max can, I used them a fair amount, and it's capable of all that Poser can do and then some.

I'm VERY humbled though with Bagginsbills tenacity to put them all together. I'm not lacking in math, but I'm very much lacking in patence to go in as much depth and detail with proceduaral shaders as Bill does. I have attention span sufficient for a 3-node wooden texture! Would gladly pay money for a set of them for Max or Carara, or Vue.

In the world of higher end apps, it is often said that there is no way to come up with TRULY realistic tectures unless photos and image maps are used.
I only partially agree with that philosopy. I do see the image maps being a lot more economical for certain things when it comes to computing power and when it comes to nabbing the right set of formulas to simulate something realistic. This takes a LOOOT more time then taking a photo or paint a texture and map it. Plus, it takes someone with solid math skills, and someone solid in math AND art is a much rarer find then someone skilled in just one or the other.

More practical way... yes, in some, or even a lot of  cases I can see image mapping being more practical. 
When it comes to 'The only way to achieve reality' statement, from technical and scientific point of view, I don't buy.  I'd love to see someone show it off.

Hi, my namez: "NO, Bad Kitteh, NO!"  Whaz yurs?
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