UV mapping is not hard, it is irritating.

Personally, I have always found the Maya's UV mapping tools are quite inadequate for fast & comfortable work flow.

But, there are lots of other free tools out there.I suggest you,to start by the tutorials that comes with Maya.

Then you can change your taste...use RoadKill...or anything...

Few months back, I have found a cool UV mapping script.It is called Pelt UV mapping.

https://www.creativecrash.com/maya/do...ing/c/pelt-mel

check it out.I am not sure, if it the latest version.