for me, a new version of max would have the following things:

- a node based material editor. at least something like nodejoe, but with extra functionality. with math-nodes, nodes gettings information from the scene objects (ray-lengths, transform informations, colors, etc...) and particle flow. scriptable nodes as an extra. something like lightwave did in its last version, they have a really good node editor now, and it works in conjunction with the old one (compatibility). output nodes for file saving and extra nodes for baking surface information (e.g. textures :) ) to bitmaps.

- box#1, #2 and #3 of the particle flow tools integrated! this is sooo important. why do you have pflow now, if you don’t update it (since version 5!!)? give oleg the money he deserves (a lot :) and you will get the best particle system ever! and it’s ready for the future, there is so much stuff which can be developed for this system in the future (e.g. fluids).

- more functionality in schematic view. not only VIEW the wiring of modifiers/controllersetc, also the ability to wire them. also parameter wiring (define in/outputs of nodes and wire them), additiional scene information nodes (like the expose transform helper), math nodes AND a link to the new node based material editor for information in/output

- a new morpher. morph to targets, which are saved in an vertex channel. there’s already a more detailed wish post about this.

- the possibilites to arrange the viewports like dockable windows! right now i just have the preseted options for the viewport layout and i can alter them in size. i often need more flexibility. what if i have 6 cameras and i would like to view them altogether, and 2 additional viewports for doing my stuff?

- i’d like to see the same keyboard/shortcuts and navigation for CAMERA views, as i have them for perspective view (ctrl, alt, middle mouse). i really don’t like using buttons ore transform the camera from other views, while establishing a shot. free cameras should orbit like the perspective view (with the same options e.g. around selected object), target cameras around their target. FOV, free look, roll and all this stuff isn’t needed that often and should remain as buttons or this new strange navigation gizmo. i don’t care about them. shortcut navigation is simply the fastest and the shortcuts for perspective navigation are used most often so why not for cameras?