Just my two cents.
I don't really think there's a "best 3D software" out there...it all depends on what you're working on.
I use 3DStudio MAX, ZBrush, Bryce 5, and also used to work with GMAX (a "light" version of 3DSMAX) and Ray Dream Studio (very old). Each has its strength and weaknesses sad. I have tried Blender and Maya too, and since I have to adjust with a new interface, sometimes I think it's not really a good idea to be jumping from one app to another--sometimes that's easy for some people, so I don't have qualms with that--however, some people lose focus, they forget that they need to stop searching and just get one app and try to be really good at it--after all, most mesh formats can be imported/exported from one app to another.
-RODION