Hi and regrds to NL
Cheapest alternative at moment (but perhaps not best).
http://masterviacad.com/powerpackoverview/page34/index.html

Converts mesh to quads and then searches automatic for adequate patches, so not sub-d layout.

>> Are Max Smirnov's polygon import and subdivision plug-in commands maybe suitable for this ??
Not, Max's script works perfect on "Low-Poly"

>> It'd be great if the converted solid isn't a huge mess of tiny stitched NURBS surfaces.
Time consuming -> extract edges, rebuild and create big four sided layout.
http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=8548.4