Have you notice 3DS Max is good for game-based work. Maya is better for film animation. Auto-CAD is likely better for work on design and architecture although I've never even used it. And I've never used Swift3D.z Brush rocks for still, high-poly models and for generating normal, displacement, texture, etc... maps for low-poly models.Besides Soft image XSI, Motion builder is good for animation needs. I prefer 3DS Max but I don't limit myself to it.
I use 3D Studio Max and I think it is much better then Maya, because it has a friendly use interface and many feature that can be installed as plug-ins.