40+ hours soon becomes 30+ then 20+ 10+ as you become more used to modeling and develop techniques. I remember when I first swithced to Solid works thinking WTF.!! have I done I'll never be able to get to grips with this.!
Now I can knock quite complex parts up in no time. When you get into SW and I'm sure other softwares will have simliair options you save time because Each part can have different configurations depending on application. For instance I build router which as Gantry sides with same design but with 4 different heights and thickness. I don't need to draw 4 different parts I just have 3 different configurations of the first part with in the same model file and make any relavant changes to suit. Ie thickness or dimensions changes

This means when I assemble all these parts in 3D space to build the full machine I can load one part. Choose the Configuration for the size needed.
The end result being I can quickly model any of the 4 sizes of machine I build. If want to Mix n match then it's a simple click of configuration.

Then when want to machine that part at that size then can easily load into Cam. Infact It actually gets better than that.? Because If I've already Cammed up the part at that size before. Then want the same part but at larger size I don't need to Re-cam I just select the Configuration for the size I need and the Software nows this and Re-calculates the toolpaths.

So my point is don't think of the time it initialy takes because you'll get faster and then the power of 3D will truely kick in and save loads of time down the line when changes or adaptions are needed.