I'm not sure why so many people are so loyal to one app...

Anyway, here is my take on maya:

Great starting tool to learn 3d since it is still the most widely used program and you'll be able to find jobs better. Though it is good overall, it's workflow is getting outdated and there are apps out there that specialize in areas that does the job a whole lot better. Alias aquiring Karydara is a big step to boost it's character animation tools to compete.

The more I use maya, the more I find myself looking for better applications since maya is a headache once you've surpassed the the modelling stage.

Here's my current pipeline: silo ruff/modelling -> maya cleanup modelling/rigging/texturing -> motionbuilder animation -> maya rendering.

(houdini for particle stuff if needed)

ps...silo rocks! alias should aquire nevercenter and I'll be back to an all maya pipeline again.