TUTORIAL - Importing vector artwork from Illustrator to Max

I have had this problem for years. 

5684 vertices in one small model.

It;s a common request:

• Can you generate a 3D model based on this basic line-work?
• Could you create this logo in 3D?

So, I will start by saying, there are work-arounds, as with most things in 3D Studio Max, there are about 10 different ways of doing something and ALL will achieve the desired result. However, I am looking for the most efficient way of completing the task with the  smallest file size and therefore the most "workable" file out the other end.