I've been using the 3D features lately for some easy isometric designing but did you catch the Project Neo demo at Sneaks this year? THAT is what I have my fingers crossed for. You build objects in a simple 3D environment then just export it to Ai as now flat objects. I've used Illustrator for a long time but most of my training was in 3D and I still catch myself trying to 'build' objects in Illustrator the same way.
