I feel so stupid...... :huh:[/QUOTE]
Don't feel that way. In all honesty, I work exactly how you described above. I manipulate the text based MDL file and apply different textures, etc. until I get what I like. I also have a decent feel for the coordinate system that is written out in the MDL file so I can move parts around without breaking anything. 95% of everything I have posted on the NWVault has been done this way. The only reason I have had to use gmax was for the 'Boarded Door Placeables' and that was only to create the transparent barrier around them to not allow interaction with the door they were supposed to block.
Glad you like the doors too