Hi Bob...
When looking at your machining job, you will "prefer" to use 2d machining jobs, as it is a much simpler and faster process.. 3d toolpath strategies are reserved for a 3d surface that a "tool" cant make, though the cut time goes up and higher end packages are required for various results in different ways.... Although, "higher end" would be for jobs like a "Z-Level convex finish"... Most jobs like this can be a simple "slice planar" or raster type job... There are even free programs that will do this well (Although you both mention you already have vectric ) MoI has recently created a partnership with Alibre, that offers a simple rastering 3d toolpather for free.... :o

"1 hour" for a cut is not really very long ( maybe for your needs, but not in general) We regularly run 14 hour jobs, sometimes extending into the next day...