I wanted to ask the experienced mappers how many polygons is too much, i.e. what do you consider the upper limit of polys considering the fps factor?
I've seen some 1000+ maps that worked fine and I've seen some that didn't. Also I think I haven't seen anything more than 1400+... What affects the fluency? The size of the polys more than the number? Or what?

I'm making a DM/RM/HTF map now and I'm already at 450 polys (with my first map being 450 when finished!), with say 40% of the map done... I want to ask this now, cuz it can affect my choices as to the use of polys (sparing-free)...
?

Well, the FPS mostly depends on how many polys you have on one screen at the same time. So just keep the majority of polys a good size (larger than the gostek) and you shouldn't have a problem.

Remind me again - how do you view your poly count?

what program, with the map maker when you have a poly selected it shows the number(select the newest for the amount)