Is Autodesk 3ds Max hard to learn for anybody?

I heard Anim8or is much easier to learn but 3ds is better when it comes to modeling stuff. How long does it take to learn 3ds Max? Anyone here use it?

All the stuff I will try to teach myself before use;

Apply textures
Create “holes” in models
Make curves
Grouping
Lightening effects

The thing that makes 3ds max more difficult to learn than anim8or I think is all the clutter. They push everything in front of you at once before your ready. Anim8or being as limiting as it is inheritly makes it easier to learn because its interface more minimalistic. of course some things are made harder due to these same limitations. For example, cutting precise holes in things is usually a feature called boolean, something Anim8or lacks, so you have to do it manually.

This is what Ive heard anyway. I myself have yet to learn another 3d program and I think its because of this very reason.

Is cutting holes any easier to do in 3ds Max?