"Ditto" sorry I missed this post Paul. Nowadays I seem to get trapped browsing the deep sky forum.
Yes, FocusMax can act as an ASCOM hub. Its rather unique in that regard (can act as a server/client/both). I don't personally use it that way but it supports it. You simply connect the hub to the ASCOM telescope driver, then all applications to the hub. POTH is probably a better option.
As Roger indicates, there is a little fussing around getting TheSky working with ASCOM. You need to use the Telescope API for it to function. There is plenty of info on setting this up. I've got it working fine - let me know if you need further info.
Now, PolarAlignMax... good software. However you need to know your mount mechanics. i.e. if the plate solve result tells you that you're 1.7 degrees off the pole, you need to know how many turns of knobs etc will dial you into better alignment. The process is iterative and can be time consuming. That has been my experience anyway. For polar alignment software (other that TPoint/TheSky) I use PEMPro v2. Hones in your polar alignment through a very easy to follow CCD drift alignment procedure - with the added bonus of correcting PE if desired - value for money.