Thanks for the feedback and I must say, the Civil package does tug on my sleeve saying "buy me...buy me now!!".
I have over 1,000 earthwork related projects behind me and have yet to do much in the automated format. Started using the drafting techniques of projecting from plan view to cut cross sections and establish profiles. I'm doubting I'll get into altering the "clients" base drawing with new contours. My thought is for the small amount of ground disturbance I would deal with, could I add that to the clients drawings with LT processes. Of course my BIG assumption is that this package won't be called on to do a major earthwork project!

In that case a surface modeling package like 3D would be NEEDED...or do it the old fashioned way.
I do remember the LT problem of reading other drawings but it appears the newest version basically will read all the types of files I'll need.
Still, the civil package WOULD have the abilities to insert modifications to the 3D surface, IF that ever became a need. Now I'll have to take a second look at the products
I'll keep an eye on this thread since rushing out is not necessary.
Thanks folks!