re: CAD monkeys (lol)
I downloaded and installed the free Alibre CAD when it came out in August of '05 -- started it up once, and never again. Don't know why I haven't uninstalled it since, though I have taught my spam blockers to filter out their emails.
Basically, I've saddled myself with enough other things to do at home (the magazine, mostly), that there's no time for drawing. And I've been back in the AE field since last Labor Day, so I get enough drawing time at work.
We use AutoCad LT there, btw... I've been on the 2007 version for a couple of weeks.