Yeah we looked at Iclone and morph3d as options but our issue was the per seat license was just to expensive as from the very beginning we would need 6 copies so it made sense for us to add DS to the pipeline as the starter package is free as to access to DS and the G3 framework that anyone on our team could pick up a copy of the working package just like anyone could.
The upside though is Iclone can import assets from Daz3d so it would be possible to use the G3 framework in Iclone
To be considered though is it’s only been with the release of UE4.14 and DS 4.9 that it has even been possible to maintain the fidelity of a Daz3d asset in a video game engine due to hard coded limitations with in the engine it’s self that would at times refuse to even parse a 64k model or high resolution texture images.
On the other hand Iclone is a nice package as in most cases it does what you want it to do now as far as making characters for UE4 but does the same things as DS does from the different perspective of paying for convenience.
The other deal maker question in regards to fitting new applications into an active pipeline has nothing to do with how slick it is, how much it costs, but if those who have to make use of the pipeline will actually do so and given the choice will always revert back to doing things the way they know even if the new way is better. With the GoZ bridge our artist can continue to work their way and still make things like clothing as to fit to finish requirements.
I would have to say that it’s going to take a year or so to figure out all the nuts and bolts as to usability as with in my experience this is the first time, being a Daz Studio fan, that what I see in DS actually translates to a usable asset into “any” kind of real time environment labeled as a video game engine along the same lines who would have though that Vis would be an option as to practical use.
So for us adopting DS make scene as to solving our problems and with on going and active improvements to Unreal 4 we are “investing” in what we can do today in relationship as to where we can be five years from now by not buying into convenience solutions designed to just do one thing.
Best advice I can give at the moment is to wait and see what happens but for most a UE4+Blender+Daz Studio would be a good starter package as kitting up does not cost you anything and if you feel Iclone is the better option you can move your asset builds over from DS.