Hi Jim.
There's a great thread on CGTalk about this: https://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=89&t=14082
For me, it would be these:- MJPolyTools: Yes, Maya 7+ has all the tools; I just like this one better!
- HKMagnetTool: An amazing "soft modification" tool. Might not be needed for Maya 2009 users.
- Advanced Subd Converter: A great amount of handy features for working with Subd's and polys.
- ks_nameSpaceManager: A very handy tool for working with objects imported from other files.
- dp_SaveScenePlus: Adds a button that is added to your status line. Appends a version number to your scene file. Helpful for versioning.
- reNameIt: A very helpful tool for renaming objects. Allows bulk renaming as well.
- Projection Maker: A tool that I wrote that emulates zBrush's Projection Master
- Revert Menu Item: A very simple tool that I made. Good for people that mess up (like me), and want to go back to the previously saved version.
- Grid Toggle: Toggles the grid on and off in all viewports.
- Component Toggle: Toggles in and out of component mode. Remembers your last selection when done.
- dannyUVTools: Eases the creation of uv's. (Great UV checking texture at bottom of the page as well)
- JSNormalMapper: Adds a lot more power to working with normal maps in Maya.
- abAutoRig: A great automatic character rigger.
- Hierarchic DisplayLayer Manager: Haven't tried it out yet, but it looks very useful for scene organization.
Imagination is more important than knowledge.