well ive used Maya, 3DMAX, LW, and the lower end ones like C4D and Bryce. and i have to say m8. i too also think it is the "best". now altough every app has its strengths and weaknesses (which i do agree with you) Maya balances them out pretty damn good(a lot better than some of the others) . which is why i hold it so highly.

and i have to say i find MEL just gives the app such a boost in my op. there arnt many others (if any) that offer as much flexability.

just my 2p at the end of the day though.