I use Lightwave For me it's the other way around,

Lightwave = Easy Simple Interface
3dsmax = Complex Quirky Interface that takes time to get used to...

I have taught many people to model in Lightwave in less than 5 minutes over the net! That's how easy it is...but most people use Max to import their models into games...Not sure if Lightwave can do that...never tried...

Both programs will get the job done...