Hi
"truespace worth the 300$ for the modeling, animating, and skinning?" - I think it's ok, it takes longer and I DONT like how it skins, never did that much animating with it so can't say.
I would try modo - you will fall in love with it then after 30days then decide, UV is so great, modeling is fast and fun

Plus there is a TS trial
TS try them both and see which one you like

Lightwave is older - modo is built by the people who did Lightwave in the beginning, but I would say modo is light years a head of most 3D packages in user design and modeling tools (toolpipe).
Its up to you but give them both a try
