well I would think if max is anything like maya in this.. that if you cut tri's out of any quads how you want just befor you export.. the UV's will get the update just fine.. and it would stop the seprations.. just a idea.

If I remember right mike normaly worked only with tri's anyway to keep form having that paroblem.. really have no idea though . memeory so vage.. he would know though what to do about it..