Here might be a good start for you :
The Hypershade : Overview and Description

I would have thought using node based composition like in most dv software would have helped you immensely, i used digital fusion and shake before using Maya and found the transition quite easy on that front.

i tend not to use mentalray unless i want a real good look at what its gonna turn out like, bcoz of the slow rendering time.

but hey i dont know an awful lot coz i only started using the app like 3 months ago lol

Ohh you might also find this useful (if you havnt already)

3D Studio transition to Maya PDF