I stopped my perpetual at 3DS Max 2020 and so far, in just two short years, I've saved something like £2500 in 'upgrades' (and NO pain). If you're going Blender (well done!) - why not go all the way and use their renderer ? Okay, it might not be as good as V-Ray or as quick etc etc, but Blender is being developed at a cracking pace and of course it's free. Sorry if this appears 'off topic' - and I'll be honest and say that I haven't read all the posts, just the beginning one and this page 13.
