I feel like this is one of those places where open source probably doesn't work. Maybe it would require a change in culture. I don't know CAD but in 3D softwar

I feel like this is one of those places where open source probably doesn't work. Maybe it would require a change in culture. I don't know CAD but in 3D software for movies/games most studios use expensive software (Maya, 3DSMax, Houdini, etc). The market for that software is relatively small and the effort to create and maintain it larger than many many other projects. So, the price is high. But, if they didn't make it hard to copy most companies would arguably not pay because they see it as a large expense. Especially for smaller companies if it was easy to copy and they could they would (and often do). My point is getting that same money out of them instead for an open source solution (because the open source solution will require just as much income to maintain) is unlikely. Blender is eeking by so maybe the tide is turning.