hmm.. I would just make an empty shelf, start modeling, and when you get familiar with the tools YOU use frequently then put them on the shelf..
In my eyes theres no such thing as a shelf that covers all people, and if you make your own shelf you make Maya more and more grow on you, because you "made it yourself" ..
That is just my oppinion tho..
Have fun and GL on the Nurbies
Carsten Lind
Senior 3D Artist,
Maya Software Manager & Maya Instructor
LEGO Systems A/S