Take the script posted above, and replace "maxFilePath" with ("C:/Documents and Settings/" + sysInfo.username + "/Desktop/") That should save to your desktop instead of the current file folder.
There are some scripts for it, check http://scriptspot.com. I like the screengrab tool in http://xnview.com, lets you drag a marquee for where you want to grab.
You could always write a quick script that gets the current selection, does a Flatten action, then re-selects the original selection. Or was that one of the 5 workarounds?
PEN Productions and Paul Neale are offering Master Classes in character rigging, scripting for character rigging and Max to Mudbox work flows. Drop in to our site to read more. http://penproductions.ca