Universe is a great soft, but it cost $1295... or $895 as a competitive upgrade, as far as i know ?

I would give it a serious look if it was $299, 'cause it's modeler is quite good (never tested the other parts, demo of R4 was awfull to use)....

For your second concern, i must say that there is so few new threads, feedback, and answers to posts here, i don't want to post anymore. I don't like to talk alone in the desert. I hope that will change... there are cool guys here, but the forum is just sleeping...