Good thoughts.
I have a few customizations. Relatively speaking in today's terms. Lisp.
Middle ground is better since you mentioned the Architecture. I currently use Chief Architect 10 for residential...which I have done very little. Only enough to pay for the software. However, I would like to upgrade the Chief Architect to their 64bit version, when it comes out.
I did not know Architecture came with MEP. That's interesting. I may yet still be able to afford both steel and MEP. See, I am in a "very" unique position right now. It's one of those things, do it now or you probably won't be able to. It's a lot of $$. I feel like my "old school" still works, but not for long. Besides, it's awesome when you can command more intelligent power. ya ya ya...
The BIM aspect of things? Yeah, I think I will be able to utilize it and in the steel arena, I can't imagine drawing shop drawings without the power offered by RV Structure. I read the most recent post about the detailing and I don't doubt it will have problems. They all do. Customization problems? Yup. All have... still do. Thing is, as much as Autodesk is bashed and praised, there are other software titles out there(as noted in the post), Autodesk is bread and butter software and admittedly quite good at what they do. It also helps that it is pretty much the only software I have ever used in 16 years.
Autodesk... hears a thought I had. I love the "similarity" between MS apps and AD's interface. Largest manufacturer of CAD software...Autodesk. Largest OS manufacturer.... MS. Largest.... or one of the Largest electrical Tech. Co. ... GE(NBC... errrr... MSNBC). Ever notice the use of cyan for them all?
Sorry.... I digress.
So, more ideas on to BIM or not to BIM?
I like the idea of MEP, w/Archy. Could alleviate the need for upgrading the Chief Architect. However, I could just go ahead and upgrade the CA and then get the Revit Structure, tweak the autocad that comes with structure with some lisp, menu, etc... to accomplish a slightly more robust cad intelligence that just might be enough to satisfy the needs of my electrical client. Interesting Jeeves... interesting indeed.