So I got SFIV and the TE when they came out and have been playing it on and off for the last two years, never really getting into the finer points of the gameplay and competitive tactics. Something about it just seems impenetrable to me, especially compared to stuff like Tekken and Soul Calibur that I've been playing for years. 
 
Now with this game coming out, I thought I'd start fresh. I heard this game was a bit more easy-going in terms of pure execution and timing. So my question is if any of you vets want to take some time to show me the ropes. Not really a time-consuming training regimen, just some casual lessons in the basics and essentials would be nice.
 
I'm on Xbox Live as BBQ Bram. Hit me up here or there.

  This is a pretty good place to start: 

Down, Towards, Punch for fireball.

Get it for PS3 and I'll teach you everything you could ever want to know about MvC3 :D
 
But what you're watching in combos are not links, they're chains.  Chains are nowhere near as strict to time as links and make up a majority of combos, but there will be links similar to in SFIV as well.  The difference is that while for a link, you have to wait for one animation to end before the other one begins which typically leaves a very small timing window of 1-3 frames.  Chains, however, cancel the animation of the previous attack to initiate the new attack.  Thus the timing window is significantly larger.

You can't teach experience, play play play. Only way to get good.

If you don't mind doing some reading I have tons of links to sites with information. There's a forum where I'm sure some people wouldn't mind helping you. I'm roughly a noob myself so I can't help as much as I'd like to.

" @MooseyMcMan: The only problem with simplified mode is it greatly limits your options.  If you just want to have fun and mash then year, go for it.  If you're looking to learn the game and develop your skills then starting with simplified mode will only cause you problems in the long haul. "