Ive not watched Gens video...

but, one element of maya that getss overlooked is the Unitize Uvs command. This will basically break your shell into individual poly square in the uv editor. Then simply marquee select drag over ALL the edges. When you have done this, simply deselect the edges on the model where you would like to create the seams for you uvs. Once you are happy hit the move and sew uvs. This will make them all nice and squared. However the next trick is to unfold the uvs so they sit nice and natural and represent a nice unfolded version of the model. The in the unfold options either check horizontal or verticle...you should be able to tell just by looking at the shells. If it goes odd just check the opposite button and try again....job done and very easy

Jay