alright, sounds good. I agree that floating geometry is the way to go as well, non-destructive modeling is always a good idea. Vig: Thanks for the script references, I'll put 'em into use ASAP
Use Pro Booleans, much cleaner, especially because it retopo's the more objects you add. Also use James Haywood's script "clean verts" to get rid of verts along straight edges. That should help clean things up to a workable level for high poly. http://jhaywood.com/maxScripts.htm