Best Practices for Dynamic Linked Workflow/Sizing

Hello!

I have a question about the most optimal and correct sizing of files. 

My work flow is AI Puppet -> Character Animator (for lip sync, face, and triggers) -> After Effects (dynamic linked - where they all come together in a 3D scene and the rest of the movements happen).

I generally try to have my puppets as big as possible, full body in CA, so I can do all my close ups in AE. They are all pretty simple 2d puppets. 

For this process, what do you recommend to be the optimal sizes in each step of the way, allowing for sharp closeups of characters in AE, balanced with reasonable file sizes to make dynamic linking/rendering work smoothly?

Here are some numbers/info for one of my puppets, each step of the way:

Illustrator

- between 500-1000 pixels

Character Animator

Puppet:

- Auto Sync with Artwork (always checked)

- Render as Vector (Typically don't have this checked because it doesn't always work correctly)

- Resolution: High 400%

- Transform - Scale: 450%

Scene: 

- 12fps

- Width 5760

- Height 3240

After Effects

- 3D layer,  Z Axis Position: 0

- Scale 20%

- Camera (Point of Interest tied to Position):  Z Axis Position: -2666.7 for wide shot, -600 for close up

I recently experimented with making my CA Scene 1920x1080, and Transform/Scale on the Puppet within the scene at 150%, and Layer Scale in AE 60%. This roughly matched the on-screen size of the previous numbers listed above, but resulted in a much more blurry image especially on close ups. 

I'm using an iMac, OS Catalina, with up-to-date Adobe software. 

Would really like to get to the bottom of this and appreciate any input. Thanks!!