Yes, having loop normals (split normals) preview is scheduled, currently wip in branch, codemanx just made a windows build of it: http://www.graphicall.org/925 Many thanks to him! :D
New question! What are your computer specs? Specifically, I'm after information about your processor (i7 920, right?), OS, and video card, but more info never hurts.
Here's a script I've used reliably in the past, don't know if it still work with current versions of Maya but it's worth a shot. http://www.highend3d.com/maya/downloads/mel_scripts/animation/324.html
I moved 824 miles for my first job, 454 miles for my second and 2,030 miles for my current, hopefully I'm done moving because there are a lot of studios in Austin, TX.
Looks great! Id always gets me geeked out for their games and their tech. Some editor shots at IGN that start at image 6. http://media.pc.ign.com/media/926/926419/img_4767069.html