Eric,
Cost is usually a big factor in any simulation program. In that aspect, LTSpice has over 2 million users, according to some sources. They didn't specify if that number were downloads or LTSpice usergroup membership or how they came about that number. In that same article, it stated they were the "defacto standard" spice program.
We have National Instruments teaming with Multisim, Texas Instruments teaming with TINA to have a free version on their website called TINA-TI, and there are a host of online simulators in the "free" category.
It always boils down to the needs of the end user. If cost is the driver, FREE is best. I will tell people which simulator I use. I started with EWB back at version 4.x before it was renamed multisim. I switched to TINA a couple of years later, because of the features I wanted were part of that software package.
When we post a simulation/circuit, we are constantly reminded that the 'active' component parameters are only typical, we know that already.
We certainly do know they are whatever the model maker considers typical ... and could be compared against the datasheet and a handful of circuits for accuracy.
What I would like see is compatibility in options and parameter names etc, in sub circuit models across simulator programs.
The parameter names are covered in the pSpice f3 manual. Any program or model claiming to be compatible with pSpice should already be using those parameters. The options list could be quite extensive and some programs already contain easy access with a single click some graphing options. Others require you to pick the variables you want to manipulate for the graph. Some provide capabilities for both. Some allow you to customize the simulation parameters as well as the model parameters. Attached is a partial listing of the parameters I can change.
All internet posted information is "as is." It's up for the reader to decide the correctness of the information. I'm still doubtful about that second link in post 1 of this thread.