So, I have been trying to use 3DS Max 2015 to export.
"Why would you do that? Don't you know that the plugins only work with 2012?" - you might ask
Yes I DO know! But I got a new computer and it didn't like 2012 for some reason :(

I got it to work too. There are a few more steps required but hey it works.
Get your model working in 3DS Max as you normally would (aligned, sized, and bones and materials applied). You can then use Wall Worm[dev.wallworm.com] to export the model to a reference smd file.
"But York, it won't find the texture! It comes out all black and purple checkers!" - you might protest
I KNOW! I'm getting to that!

Now open the smd file with a text editor. You'll notice underneath "triangles", is the name of the material (as you named it in 3DS Max) followed by a bunch of numbers, and repeated with different numbers. Replace the material name with the name of the .vtf file (e.g. replace "01 - Default" with "katana.vtf") before compiling.
MuaHAHAHAHAH, IT WORKS!