I think I would generalize it. Increasing the selection range should affect the selection of objects/components in general, not just the Editable Poly preview selection range. Also if you dissect maya's selection behavior it's a bit smarter than just having selection range. E.g. if you are in vertex/edge mode and hover…
Sure, I'll do it. I already commented and voted the second link, but I also wanted to submit this specific thing in case it helps. However I wanted to write this as best as I can, and I think you guys know of this way more than I. Would something like this work? Idea title: Increase & Let Users Define Preview Selection…
Gif explains the behaviour I mean. This is something I always miss whenever working in Max; the ability to select components without having to directly move the cursor over the element. Is there anything like it in Max?
Create a plane in 3ds Max, convert it to editable poly object, open the Modify tab and under the Loop and Ring button(below the modifier stack) you will see Preview selection group of controls. Go to Edge subobject level, turn on the SubObj and move the cursor over the edges.