The modelling system, being separated from the scene workflow allows for a more focused experience. The rigging and general animation systems are intuitive and easy to implement. Particle systems are simple to apply with a great level of customization. Scripting is just as applicable in LightWave as any other 3D package.

VPR provides great feedback quickly. This is essential in an ad agency setting where you need to produce results quickly for internal approval and client sign-off. When working with creative directors and art directors unfamiliar with 3D workflows, VPR can be a fantastic tool to give your team an actual picture of what the final product will look like. Dynamics system and the modeling tools are efficient and powerful. Rigging system and presets are super helpful.

I enjoy the live and fast rendering, simple modeling system and powerful features. For the price, you get a ton advanced features for rigging, dynamics, animation and rendering. The newer versions are much more pipeline oriented, by including support many outside rendering engines (including Octane) and native tool building using standard python. All 3D packages are a bit of a bear to learn, but once settled in, it feels like second nature to buzz around the UI. Some people consider this this a downside, but having a separate animation / rending program from the modeling side keeps things a little cleaner. I also appreciate the removal of the hardware dongle requirement for licensing. Lightwave's long support for HDR rendering has made it great for product and architectural rendering for years, and is still easier to use for photo-real rendering than some other packages.