Re: What's a good way to learn the game?
I've never played either, although I've gotten the HERO system since the 4th edition (loved to read them, but never really "read" them). My grasp of the system is weak, but I'm getting there.
The size of 6th is intimidating, in my opinion, you'll be doing yourself a favor if you do read through both books cover to cover. Take your time and read through. I wouldn't worry about trying to completely absorb or understand everything right off the bat. You can always go back and re-read the parts that gave you trouble in the beginning. I'm mentally marking those to go back to myself. Stuff will sink in.
Right now I'm about 100 pages into Volume 2, and some of the things that I read in Volume 1 make sense. Once I'm done with the second book, I'm going to start making some characters and see what happens there, then maybe try out some combats and see how that goes.
Good luck and good reading:)
Oh, just wanted to add that I've found that I can read about 5-10 pages before brain melt sets in as well. Then I just put the book down for a few hours and read 5-10 more pages.