I am very confused about workflow in 9.5, as opposed to the last version I used (8.1). Have DOPs completely replaced POPs? In 8.X there used to be gravity forces and other tools in POP, now its empty, more or less. I don't understand what is POP utility now. The entire workflow has become very convoluted and confusing. The way that 9.5 works is s greatly different from Maya, that its very difficult to make the transition.

DaveR

Dops leverages Pops, but they can be used independent of each other.

Not sure what you mean about gravity missing from Pops, it's there. Both in the Tab menu and on the Particles toolshelf.

No, Dops will not replace Pops, for many effects you wish to achieve particles are still far more efficient and more straight forward to direct.