It seems that for a few convienient features, you can get this program (I'd call it an Add-On cause you have AutoCAD with extra features). You pay for autocad + you pay for the extra feature.
You are correct here. I can create the same EXACT LOOKING drawing using Datacad, Turbocad, Autocad, LDT, and C3D.
However, the "few convenient fetaures" enable me to create and, more importantly, edit that drawing/model in far less time. If my time was worth nothing then this difference wouldn't matter. But, last I checked, my charge out rate is rather high. Even when I was self-employed I enjoyed taking home a paycheck every now & then.
Here's some interesting stats (guess-timated, but deemed accurate) to complete a typical project.
When I was designing and drafting by hand, I needed myself & at least 2 technicians for a minimum of 6 weeks.
Then we were introduced to AutoCad, we were able to save about 3-5 days time.
Then we learned, or Autodesk actually gave us the tools, to program repetitive tasks and we were able to eliminate one of the techs.
Then DCA/Softdesk/Adcadd/LDT came along in it's various versions, eventually leading to the entire design/drafting team being just 1 person (me) needing just 3 weeks.
Now with C3D I'm confident that, once I master it's use, the total time will be reduced to 2 weeks, or less. Yes, it's that good.
Now there is no way that anyone can tell me that the $8000 price tag for C3D is not worth it. (2-3 weeks of my time vs 6 weeks of me & 2 other's time) The software has paid for itself in just 1 finished project! The remainder of the savings can now be placed in the PROFIT column.