I'd go for python script instead. Same commands available but you gain a lot more general python functionality. Such as handling strings, lists, etc. Here's a good guide for getting started. http://www.chadvernon.com/blog/resources/python-scripting-for-maya-artists/
If your after really small shortcuts, like the one derived from the script editor, i would stick with MEL. The (only) good thing is, that everything is printed into the script editor. Go for it, you will quickly be able to drastically speed up your workflow. As soon as you start serious scripting with concatenation, loops…