When optimizing performance, the max polygon count Away3D can render smoothly is unknown. It depends on the computing power available. Much like the frame rate of your Flash movie. It is really the maximum frame rate not the minimum.
How many polygons should you use? As Little as necessary. Quality low- poly models are key. What can't be faked with materials and textures should be modeled using geometry. But keep it to the bare minimum. On a current project I modeled a Satellite using 92 triangles. I rendered a nice shinny uv texture with reflections and shadows. It got the job done. Remember: it's all fake. Fake reflections, fake shadows and fake details. Away3D is more Quake than Crysis :) You can also monitor performance and switch to low poly models if FPS is too low. Or offer the user an option to switch. Also FP 10.1 is a game changer. The performance boost is amazing in the new player. ath.
