Quote: "Its a shame there isn't a file format that is really compatible and supports both static and animated models.
The one thing I really want to get sorted is my pipeline for getting assets into Max with the least possible messing about. Ideally i just want to use a single file format for models and textures."
But there is ... depending. GLTF can do this provided the version of MAX you're running either supports GLTF natively or has an add-on/plugin that will add support for import/export of GLTF. This can allow you to import/export complete scenes, if you need, as well as individual models.
USD may be even better and is created by Pixar. But the push for USD support industry wide is fairly "new". USD was designed for large scene sharing (export/import) between any 3D package. But just because it can transfer large scenes does not mean it cannot be used for single objects and small scenes when needed/wanted.
Of course, FBX can do both static objects and animated. So, for most people, FBX is more than enough.
So, there are solutions, depending on your needs. It's not complicated. I've done 3D modeling professionally for years and have had little issue with getting models into and out of my 3D modeling program of choice.
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