The gridded plane of existence that models are meant to stick to...is that just a suggestion, like reality and pants?

Every time I load a new model in most of these programs I have to spend a good ten minutes looking for it and attempting to bring it back down to earth.

But I'm starting to wonder if having the model anywhere near the plane is necessary at all.

In some programs like XSI Modtools and Character FX I've been able to find the appropriate button to instantly center on the model no matter where it is. But with some other programs it is not that easy. Is there some universal rule and setting amongst all polygonal models that will save me the time of having to track down a fresh import?