Modo is amazing, been using it for 6 years now and it's hard to model/UV in anything else. This video is a great explanation of the interface, and why the action centers are a great concept: http://content.luxology.com/community/user_tutorials/seneca/SENECA_MODO_ACTRS.mov
@eskinto: My memory is hazy, it's been a long time since I last used Modo. Anyway, it might be that I did my cutting in orthographic viewports. I don't think it's technically necessary, but it allowed me to see precisely where the cuts would be placed. As for cleanup I think I had a script or macro set up to do something…
All the tools you are looking for is there, I find myself looking for Modo's tools in Maya. Building upon Rabbid_Cheeze's answer, some good modeling hotkeys. Shift + X = Extrude Z = Edge Extend V = Spin Edge B = Bevel P = Make face (after selecting vertices, preferably counter clockwise) Ctrl + L = Connect Vertices F =…