Yeah, 60 degrees is the default. I usually go through the groups (parts) of my imported models and set each smoothing angle individually, depending on what look i want. Found that old prop style Poser hair often looks better with no smoothing - shows more detail. 

Smoothing is useful because it means you can make models with fewer polygons and still get smoth surfaces. If Vue gets Displacement mapping some day, that will be even better.