The true power of Python though is not imho to wrap MEL, but to wrap the API and thus making it available without the need to compile c++ code.
So if you want to dive in ( the rough way ), also have a look at the Maya API and how to use it from within python. Might be overkill, but in FX it will prove the be useful. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Yours, Maya-Python Club Team. -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---