Nice thread!
I actually use Lightwave 3D 11.6. I kind of like that program for rigging and making models(customization). I have seen 3D max in action and find it interesting and nice. However, the price is a bit too unrealistically for me. I also find the subscription price too high(2014) when I checked it out last time.
I got Lightwave 3D for like 999$ on sale back in 2014. I am very pleased with the tool(it use to cost around 1500$).
Have look here:
It has two editors. Modeler and Layout. The workflow will feel funny in the start but after a while you get use to the way the mouse works. You can try it for free and then decide whether this is fine or not. I also like how upgrading to a new version is not full price but only halve.
But after seeing the MODO indie price I kind of feel like trying it out. MODO’s price are very low compared to other tools on the market. MODO also seems more modern in its user interface.
Thanks for sharing this knowledge about MODO! 
Edit:
“We’ve upped the FBX and OBJ poly output limit to 100k”
Hmm… well I am not able to use that then. I need to take models that holds at least 1,000,000 poly and cut down into small pieces from time to time. Well I stick with Lightwave 3D as I already know that workflow well 