Quote - You asked for an easier way and I provided it.

Please look at the OP. The question was: "Can we do this in Poser?"
Not: "Can we do this when creating a model for use in Poser?"

We already have a prop in Poser that we are trying to do something with. In my case, I did not model it myself.

So...  the only modelling app that can export smoothing group information that Poser will understand is 3DSMax.

Hmmm... then we just need to find out what it puts into the exported obj file to identify and control the smoothing groups. Then get busy with a text editor!

"If I were a shadow, I know I wouldn't like to be half of what I should be."
Mr Otsuka, the old black tomcat in Kafka on the Shore (Haruki Murakami)