How to x,y,z edit vertex/node on path in 3d layer?

Yes, all 3D layers must be specified as such, and they will only work with a camera layer.

There is an easy way to create the 3d orbit you seem to be after-

Put a null object in the center, Parent the layer you want to orbit to the null, move it away from the null so it is off center, animate the rotation of the null and the object will orbit around accordingly.

The effect is easy, but how does one manipulate the nodes of the path in z basically?, it shouldn't be hard. One does also need to specify the layer as 3D, no?

I'm trying to create the '3D rotate around circle' effect, but I'd like to be able to better manipulate the path/mask in 3D. Are you familiar w this effect Mylenium?

Masks are not 3D to begin with, so I'm not sure what you are looking for. You have your logic backwards - the mask is a sub-entity of a layer, no matter whether it's 2D or 3D, not a separate item. If you need to move your text along a 3D path, you have to use a different approach, meaning you basically animate each letter as a separate layer and then edit the motion path.

Mylenium