3ds Max Modeling :: How To Scale Multiple Shapes

I often have to import shapes via illustrator export/import. Then I have to scale all the shapes up to real world 1:1 size.

I typically just grab all objects and use the SCALE tool...but I hear that is actually the WRONG approach?

So I tried scaling all the objects at a sub-object level. i.e. select ONE object, yellow highlight vertex, segment or spline... then scale up.

Is it possible to select multiple/all my shapes and scale up this way? When I select all of them, my modifier stack obviously disables and cannot select via sub-object (vertex, segment or spline level).

I tried grouping. modifier stack disables still. Do I have to ATTACH each one to another (multiple I guess via list?) and then scale all them via SEGMENT level?

Is there a easier/faster way to do lots of objects imported like this...or is this the way to do it?