I always understood that MAX A/C and RECIRC were NOT the same thing at all. In "traditional" systems, the MAX setting would cause the compressor to run all the time (or cycle on more than it would have) whereas the RECIRC setting would simply keep outside air our and inside air in. Note well that you can use the RECIRC setting in the winter to keep warm air in and various noxious odors/fumes out. RECIRC may come on automatically in many cars when MAX is selected, but that does not make them the same thing.
In the newer automatic systems, the need for MAX is reduced. Set the temp you want, and let the system sort out how to get there ASAP. I would note, however, that my Camry has an "ECO" setting which would seem to be the reverse of traditional MAX. It causes the variable speed compressor to run at a reduced setting, thereby drawing less juice off the traction battery. The manual contains a note to the effect that AC effectiveness will be reduced on this setting. I typically use it, and find that only on the hottest and sunniest days does the AC fall behind. It does raise an interesting question, though: if you want to cool your interior from 120 down to 80, you gotta do it one way or the other. As any good physicist will tell us, there's no "energy free lunch".