In my experience I certainly prefer something like Blender (which is free) to make models with, rather than MED. I suggest you try using it, the interface looks complicated but with most buttons having a name on them it is easier to navigate in that sense.

You do not HAVE to use MED to model, you can use Blender - you just have to import it into MED for when you wish to use it in your game engine. (As it has to be a MED file)