Tool

I decided to create my own picker tool that lets the user select the different controls and joints of the model. It's an easier and faster way to select the different parts of the rig. The tool is fairly simple but it features modifying the selection by pressing ctrl or shift as well as the option to either select the joints or the control shape / IK handle in case there is one. 

If I had more time I would also have included the option to select all the different control shapes and maybe the option to change the values for the attributes for the facial expressions and the finger curl within the tool when the control shape is selected.

For reference and as a starting point I watched a few tutorials to give me ideas on what I could do:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjGa6j-rzIM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJB1Ek2Ko_Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGx8Fk6LPlc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJB1Ek2Ko_Y

http://www.digitaltutors.com/tutorial/1283-Getting-Started-with-Python-Scripting-in-Maya

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUkk7rcwtI8

http://www.creativecrash.com/maya/script/abxpicker

This was the inspiration for the tool