Thank you guys for all your informative comments and insights.

@ Maxxxmodelz:

First let me say that my comment at the beginning of this thread regarding '3DS Max being an outdated behemoth crumbling under its own weight' is a negative comment that I made-up to get my message across.

I actually think, based on the trial version of 3DSMax, that I used a couple of years ago, that it is a great package and I will use it as soon as I have a project that needs such levels of sophistication. At this time however Carrara and Shade are enough for the kind of work I am doing.

I believe that the 'infatuation' with a 3D app affects all CG artists from hobbyists to semi-pros to real pros. They all show symptoms of deep, worship-like, attachment to the 3D app they use and they become hostile if someone dare speak negatively about it.

I also agree with you that the steep learning curve of these apps, compared to a word processor or a movie editor, is one reason for this deep bond that gets established between the CG artist and his/her favorite 3D app.

I believe however that CG artists must be made aware of this fact and must be taught to handle negative comments gracefully and professionally, by proving that they know the 3D app inside-out, that they know its strengths and that they are also aware of its weaknesses.

It's a lot more productive to show the nay-sayers examples of the great achievements done with the beloved 3D app, explaining to them what can be done, or cannot be done, with it rather than going at theit necks and starting a fight where nobody wins.

I actually think that a CG artist should handle a negative comment like he/she would handle rude remarks by an interviewer during a job interview, i.e. stay calm, hold your ground, show the interviewer that you know what you are talking about, that you are on top of your subject and that you are fit for the job. Explain as rationally as possible why his remarks or expectations don't make sense. If you make the mistake of losing your temper and react angrily, the interviewer will gladly show you the door and that will be the last time you'll be heard of.