PPP uses bones to make the process of cutting a model into the correct body parts and turning it into a figure easier. It doesn't 'create bones' persay but can use bones from other programs as part of this process. It does not eliminate messing with JP's.

I have heard the 3DS Max plugin is buggy, I've also heard from others that it works fine. I don't have Max myself so you'll have to listed to the others who chime in here.

Hope this helps.