OK, I think you earlier post mentioned Maya/max at 200/month, which is why I got confused. At least with Houdini, I can download and use the free version as long as I want before deciding if I should buy. It’s pushing what I’m willing to pay though, but I put the hard limit at $200, so it’s still an option.
As for Blender, I suppose something more newbie friendly is what I’m after. I understand these programs are complex by definition, but still. And I’m probably a long way off from knowing what settings to change and how to “mould” it to my liking, which could of course make it more pleasant to work with (eventually).
I have high hopes on Modo to be honest. Hopefully your experience was not the norm, or at least that it’s better now. Which restrictions in the indie version were you unhappy with, ie is there any actual deal breakers there?