I dont usually get caught up in politics but I would like to make few comments ion relation to DAZ Studio and Octane.
A few penny's first.
Firstly I love DAZ Studio as it was and as it is. I invested many many moons ago in the Octane Beta software when it cost around $99.00 US.
I really liked what it offered but could never get past the UI and so it fell to the way side until the Octane / DS Plugin came along, for me it was love at first site, granted small learning curve but so worth it.
During that period I still had to use 3Delight which was cool but the quality materials, lighting and rendering made using 3Delight a little frustrating...until IPR was introduced then it became fun.
Now with Iray nothing has changed for me, I have to use both. ( personally Octane is still my preferred workflow but they both have the strong and weak points, what doesn't ie: Zbrush / 3D Coat )
DAZ / Iray brings something to the market, an opportunity. It opens the world of Unbiased GPU rendering to the hobbyist for free. Granted if you what to make the most of it you need the right equipment
but this way you get to have a play and find out if you really want to invest time and money into this direction. The more you play, the more you understand and the more you become accustom to the workflow.
Then you want to see what else is up for offer. I feel safe to say, as people become accustom to Iray the inclination to at least try Octane will arise.
I don't see DAZ / Iray as a negative impact on Octane but more as a promotional aspect to a new world of rendering and image quality.
Basically choose your weapon/brush/mouse of choice.....and create art. ( severed limb pieces and all )
The topic at hand: Slow development of the Octane plugin for DS / Lack of communication.
I am as anxious as anyone waiting for the next release, checking every couple of days in case I have missed something. Granted I am a little frustrated because I don't know where we stand but I still have faith in T_3.
As well all know, in life its is the not knowing part that is frustrating. I have just been through this with a contractor for some small home renovations.
He got me the quote in a day, I was happy with the price paid the 50% deposit $ 3800.00. Thirteen weeks later after no response to emails I sent, and one answered phone call saying in about two weeks (6 weeks in)
I cancelled the job, requested my money back..three weeks later, same scenario...I then went to Consumer Affairs it then took two weeks, with to failed attempts for him to transfer the money.
Third time lucky I got the money. I remained civil throughout the whole ordeal, however upset I was, but enough was enough, I wanted my money back. We all have that right, sometimes it is easier than other to get that back.
I have spent $ 10,000 + on system built to specifically run DAZ Studio / Octane for animation and rendering.
I have updated Octane/DS on my old PC, brought a brand new licence of Octane and DS Plugin plus updated the Lightwave Plugin for the new PC. ( which I rarely use, it has no LiveDB and is nowhere near us user friendly )
If I was to find tomorrow that the Octane DS plugin was to cease development do you think I would ask for my money back.
HELL NO - however disappointed I would be ( just like the non development of Hexagon - that one makes me cry

) I love what it offers now, even with the errors ( just like Hexagon )
In short, if you are not happy ask for your money back and look for a new contractor.
I personally feel that development is not dead and I reiterate I have faith in T_3, I like what he has done with the plugin to date.
The Octane plugin suits me to a tee though.
Yes I would love to know what is happening but for now I will keep doing what I love the most, creating art with the tools I have.
Cheers Adriano Di Pierro - Laticis Imagery
P.S. This is just my experience and perspective of the situation, which when it comes down to it, is all we really have to offer. Who knows, next week I could feel completely different but I doubt it
P.S.S. I think this is the longest post I have ever made. 