I've been using Blender for about two years now and it's incredible. I've also got a chance to use programs like Maya and Lightwave, (Maya was used to make a lot of the special effects for Episode III), and considering how Blender is available for free, i'd put it just under these programs as being a top notch 3d modeller and animator. In the latest version they've even got some forms of softbodies, new physics calculations, new particle curves so you can make cool things like hair and such. Excellent download. If your wondering how well it can do just search the blender3d website and look at some of the sample videos. It's Amazing!
The scarecrow has no mind, but serves its function well.