Inestical don't be so so bad with me
Hahahaaa

In fact i've programmed some tools , some years ago , a tool
for visibility culling for levels , another for collisions,
another for rpg elements and ennemy behaviour (machine states) ...
I've programmed pure DirectX 6 some years ago also
For shaders i've done two or three basic ones in assembly language.

So yeah take me for a noob if you want

What count for me is tools and the more possible artist workflow like in
Far Cry or Crysis editors, and an engine that can do next gen graphics.

I'm not engine/tools programmer any more , no more interested in these parts,
no more fun for me.
you i presume it's a passion/pleasure/fun for you to code : ME NO
What counts now for me is a complete as possible next gen engine supporting
lights and shaders , shadows and with easy tools.
Unity engine is a good example : esay script for game behaviour and complete
tools, powerfull engine.

Well this topic is Crysis and it's editor
Any one played with it , or discovered soem 3D tricks
LOD is not really one , and used massively in this game, 3DGS users shoudl use also LOD at maximum