Hi Subsurf [and everyone else!]

I put together a quick video with another method using a Non-Linear Flare deformer that may help, you can find it at the following link;

Maya - Non-linear Flare - YouTube

Cheers!

Simon

PS - the quality is better [HD720] if you view it directly on Youtube!
PPS - forgot to mention in the video that when you're done, select the cylinder and go to Edit>Delete by Type>History to lock the shape in place and remove the deformer!