Quote: "How do you add the perfect small lines? Just holding shift and dragging with the burn tool?"
yes just shift drag with dodge & burn
Quote: " How do you do those reflective renders in max? Just copies of the models mirrored on the Z axis?"
no they are just sat on a plane with a reflective material.
Quote: "I like it . As good as your advice is, I found it easier to figure out the way by myself. It sets in much better than following a tutorial, but still, what you just said is very useful, thanks for that."
good for you mate the best way to learn is a tutorial then trial & error.
cheers henry