I believe MAX came first but some found it too much, although it was a very light tubeset for how large the tubing appears.
There was for a short time a MINI MAX tubeset which I understand was EL drawn to the same profiles as MAX but smaller.
I think it mainly comes down to a personal preference. I had a SL frame that loved but when it broke I had the chance to upgrade to MAX. Being a slightly taller and heavier rider I found the MAX an excellent frame for my style of riding, Lighter riders may may find MAX too stiff.
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk