@Paradox: No, I got that part (about not having earlier versions of Max).
I do understand the lack of help/time/people. This was always a small group anyways in years past, so even loosing 1 person due to real life, loosing interest, conflict, whatever, is damaging enough.
Have you all thought about trying to recruit again? I know you have in the past, but it's something you have to keep doing every once in a while if you want to get new people (or people that are not so new, but lurk, they may miss the message).
Then again, I know you all are very protective over the work you do. Hell, I understand that very well. As a content creator, I hesitate to hand over one of my blend files or max files to just anyone. I also know that most of your work is available at places like github, etc, so anyone is free to join in, add stuff and submit it. It's just a problem with getting people to help, and up to speed.
I hate to see people bitter, disenchanted, or just having very low moral. Also @Paradox: You're WAY too young to be such a bitter old man. I can't change how you feel, but I can only point out a lot of things:
I've not seen GoW bashing over at the MOUL forum or in the community in quite a while. Yes, you do have someone here or there that pops up, but nothing like it was. Indeed, I see lots and lots of praises coming out of there. I see good coming out of here too. If you can't shake that bitter feeling, and keep it like a grudge, it will affect everything you do in life. That's not healthy, especially since you still have your whole life in front of you. If you can 't shake it, can't find ANYTHING positive that helps ease that feeling.....then consider leaving and dropping it. I hate to see anyone leave our small community, but if it makes you feel this way, and stay this way, it's just not healthy for you (or anyone for that matter). Those negative feelings can get spread to other people too. I've seen over the years how your posts went from very excited and positive, helping lots of people, to very bitter and depressing. It's depressing for someone like me to see (and I see it a lot in this community unfortunately). So try and do something to shake this feeling, or get away from here if it's here that is causing it dude. Just my advice and opinion, and I hope you find your way out of this dark cloud you've been in for so long.
About older versions of 3ds Max: I have 7, 8, and 9. How can I help? Please don't ask me to give them up to you, because then I won't have them! heheheh. But if there is some way I can help, then tell me here, or PM me. I'm sure if there is a way, we can at least get it started.
Oh, and for all those that celebrate it: Happy Thanksgiving! As soon as I post this, I have some pies to bake, and a turkey to cook! Hope you all have a good one!