In 3DSmax you can copy and paste a skin from one model to another, provided the models are similar... the 1st exports the mesh data and when I'm done with mesh modifications the 2nd script comes to set the bones and skinning. If somebody has an idea about this then I'd like to hear it..
This isn't entirely flawless, and you always have to check the pasted skin & adjust where necessary.
It works best for models that have their legs not too close to each other.
If you like I can explain more about this.