j wrote:
>>    Get used to it. Modellers are in, and PoV <YOU> create/s the
>> superior textures, lighting, and finishes.
>
> I would use a modeller if I really have to, but if there are two
> equally good models, one made in Povray and one made with a modeller,
> I think the one made with Povray should deserve more credit, and
> that's the end of it.

True, but often the one done in a modeller will have taken less time, and if
the organisers want world class final images they should not put any
pressure on people to "waste" time using POV to get a better chance of
winning.

As an example, I spent maybe 45 mins - 1 hour making a model of a plastic
tray in POV for my entry.  It took me a while to get the geometry correct,
the rounds on all the sides, the handle on the front took a lot of trial and
error etc.  For comparison I just made the same thing in our CAD package
here at work, it took me less than 5 minutes.

Now if you gave me 60 minutes to make a "world class" image of a plastic
tray, which method is going to give the best final image?

I understand fully your concerns about using "pure" POV code, but as there
is a time limit to the competition, and the organisers have complained about
the images not being high enough quality, I think it would be sensible for
them to say that there will be no bias given to "pure" POV models over those
done in modellers.  After all, we want to show off to the non-POV community
what POV is capable of in terms of final image quality as a ray tracer, not
as a modeller.