I recommend you check out the tutorial that I made on how to import MOI models into Blender and then render with Lux render. It hopefully breaks down some of the "Blender is hard!" barriers and allows you see the power of a stunning render engine, Lux render.

You can find it here:

http://www.vimeo.com/4810249

Phil

PS, Michael, you are correct in that the Blender file dialog box is AWFUL! It's so cluttered. Hopefully it will continue to evolve and improve as 2.5 is only in Alpha 0 status.