in fact , the bridge between the 3d studios , all of them , is .3ds format .

and as you said , the softimage|3d is very weird and make the user uncomfortable with its user interface.

the softimage|XSI is easier , and has an interface makes you comfortable , beside it has the ability to import from maya and 3ds max .

what you need to use this program is to read every tutorials you got , and apply every tip and every hint ,