It's an open-source format, I believe. There's a program called SKModeler 1.2, but pretty run an SMD (Half-life 2 format) through a batch file and wah-lah, SKM.
For 3DS to MD2, check out QME, it's the only one I've ever had success with.
Also, in the Filter Forge thread, you mention needing the new FF for normal maps, but why not just use Melody?