I see that some software permit to create you customized setup file before the download. I think that is a good opportunity to reduce the size of fatty 3ds Max...
why not like this:
1) Autodesk 3ds Max light setup 2Gb
2) Autodesk 3ds Max Artist and M&E 3GB ( substance and Materials )
3) Autodesk 3ds Max AEC and M&E 6.5GB ( substance, Materials, Inventor server, Revit Servert )