I've been facing similar issues
The most important software to me is Visual Studio and SQL Server, both of which run fine under Vista (with admin priviledges, that is). Of course, considering where they come from, they'd better friggin' run ok.
My 3D software is just for goofing around, which is good 'cause none of it runs properly under Vista. Mind you, some of it's getting a little long in the tooth. trueSpace is my fav 3D app (yeah, I know, it's a toy), and the version I currently own, 6.1, is a mess under Vista. The company says v7 is compliant, but I don't know if I can justify yet another upgrade.