The best thing about using 3dsmax with blitz3D was the pipeline extensions. They extended B3D functionality by a huge amount and saved programmers a lot of work too. I think that was the one thing that made 3ds max stand out over other b3d compatible apps.
Most 3D apps are pretty similar once you learn the various shortcuts and don't rely on the UI so much. It's just whether you enjoy using the app enough to get familiar enough to use it properly that is the tough part. That plus artists work in different ways and will find one apps workflow will suit their mindset better than another. You just have to pick the one you feel most comfortable with or fits your budget if your strapped.
Most 3D apps are pretty similar once you learn the various shortcuts and don't rely on the UI so much. It's just whether you enjoy using the app enough to get familiar enough to use it properly that is the tough part. That plus artists work in different ways and will find one apps workflow will suit their mindset better than another. You just have to pick the one you feel most comfortable with or fits your budget if your strapped.