Keep in mind, some tasks need more manual construction. Not every task can be accomplished with a modifier or automatic tool. If the quick-n-easy tools don't get you where you need to be, don't let it stop you in your tracks. It's sometimes faster to just dive in and build the mesh the normal way. Your object looks like it would be pretty easy to build out.
Have you tried lofting a spline? Have a look at Max's Documentation on 'Sweep.' I attached something I did in less than 5-minutes. While it's not exactly your product yet, it's a nice base to start with and even has the shapes for the stitched piping on the edge ready to modify and improve. Use and FFD from there to randomize and tweak it a bit. Anyway, just a suggestion.
Edit: In case it helps, here's the file I played with. 'Sweep.max', attached.
Rob Holmes
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3ds Max (2023-2025), V-Ray 6.2, Ryzen 9 3950-X Processor, DDR 4 128MB, Gigabyte Aorus X570 Master motherboard, Sabrent Rocket NVMe 4.0 M.2 drives, NVidia RTX 4090, Space Pilot Pro, Windows 11 Pro x64, Tri-Monitor, Cintiq 13HD, Windows 11 x64
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