If you are wanting to start out small, try Blender 3d. If you want the next step up try Softimage|XSI foundations. It's only $500 and you can hang with the big boys
If your looking for something where you are always doing something, and not just sitting around, where teamwork comes in handy. Also something that gives you a real sense of pride after building up your character or town, try looking into Wurm Onlin…
The only game I have never been able to RP in was Everquest 1, before SOE took over. There were less people, yes, but the majority of the players was far more mature before it became a cash cow.
Try Wurm Online. You have full control over your environment, such as cutting down a tree, then cutting it up for lumber which you can use to make your own house. You can also dig holes, and flatten the ground. Mine up rocks to build your own paved …
You can't honestly expect them to keep a game free forever. Those people who put hours and hours of work into making the game, plus those paying for server costs, etc need to be payed back some how.