Missing modeling possiblities & solution by polyGon-tError, 2013.
if you are looking for some modeling  tool / function that are present in all populer 3d software freely available today like blender, ppmodeler ( now Albatross 3d ) and in commercial one like 3ds Max and Maya, have a look at this forum.
    Advanced Modeling Tool-Set : "
http://www.anim8or.com/smf/index.php?topic=4616.0"
here you will find them or their alternative tool's / function. all by ASL ( Steve at least left an option for it, so let us use it untill we need him again to make an update esp. for Advanced Modeling tool's - we are badly missing him for year! - are you online?! ).
tool's and function currently made available to Anim8or :
Advanced Selection :
 Point-Edge-to-PolyGon-Selection
 PolyGon-by-Edge Selection
 Point-Edge-to-Edge-Ring Selection
 Point-Edge-to-PolyGon-Border Selection ( & -PolyGon-Border-Extended Selection )
 PolyGon-Edge-Border Selection
 Alternate-Face Selection
 Hole-Edge-Selection
Topology :
 Grille-Form or Lattice-Form (simple) or Cage-Form or Frame-Work ( & -Extended )
 Rhombic-Form
polyMesh Modeling :
 Creat polyGon  ->  Edge-Loop-to-PolyGon ( Extended )
 Edge-Merge
    Lowpoly :
     Vertex-Remove  ->  Point-Remove
     Close-Edge or Merge-Point by Average ( accurate & Auto )
     Close-PolyGon  ->  PolyGon-to-Point
polyMesh Editing :
 Vertex-Chamfer  ->  Point-Bevel (0.4)
 Peak-to-PolyGon  ->  Anti-Peak
 Split-Vertex
Subdivition :
 Round-polyGon  ->  Subdivide Corner of polyGon ( simple )
Surface :
 Smooth-Mesh-Point
 Seam-Line or Surface-Fold Stabilize or Smooth Edge-Line / Loop
 Smooth Surface Area
Align & Placement :
 Snap-Object  ->  Move-to-Mesh-Vertex / Face
 Clone-Arrange-Over-Mesh
 Swap-two-Object Location & Rotation 
Clean Up & Fix :
 ConCave-PolyGon-Fix
 Re-Wind PolyGon
you may find some tool's missing here too, check often they will be added soon!