cinema 4d!
1. it integrates w/ AE better than maya. c4d can do multi-pass renders and export light and camera data with an AE project file.
2. it’s easy to learn and use (for a 3d program, that is)
3. the objects look real enough. but then, i dunno how real you need them to look.
4. you can do a lot with the core app. of course, if you want more bells and whistles, there are modules you can add on.
my guess is, you’re either a) not selection the position property name before you paste, or b) you are trying to copy more than one path from illustrator; ae can only paste one path to position as a motion path
i don’t have one of the new-fangled mac keyboards, but have you tried going into system preferences > keyboard & mouse > keyboard shortcuts, and then re-programmed what F9 does?