You can do nothing but work hard and do the best that you can. However, if there are people who start engaging in malpractice then one should feel a sense of pity for them.
Re: Best way of study notes - syllabus?
The syllabus is your most important resource. The Board of Studies can only set you examination questions based on the syllabus.
Re: Supplementary Texts
It's best to have more as a 'back up'. You don't want to go read the exam question and go "omg none of my texts relate to this statement at all."
Re: studying patterns HSC o9'ers ... =D
I've mainly just been doing 3-4 hours of homework a night, but I make notes every now and again, depending on how much of the syllabus has been covered to make the study process an effective activity.
Re: Supplementary Texts
Have 3 supplementary texts. Although you could probably get through with 2, have an extra one in case the question/assessment does not suit your preferred text.