Seems you've nailed it, at least from my perspective.
AC3D has absolutely spoiled me for other modelers. I *always* start in AC3D nowadays, then push the data into LightWave from there. There are a few modeling tools I end up using in LW that I would love to see added in AC3D (bending, twisting, magic bevel), but AC3D handles anywhere from 90-100% of the modeling work I do.
You're welcome to use any of my images posted here on AC3D (links below, all modeled completely in AC3D). They're not terribly impressive compared to more skilled members' models, and every one of them is either a WIP or an abandoned project, but feel free to use them if you find them helpful.
http://www.ac3d.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3590&page=4
http://www.ac3d.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3239
http://www.ac3d.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3173
http://www.ac3d.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3033
http://www.ac3d.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3035
http://www.ac3d.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3627