>> I disable the reverb and panning in the options, channel options which I thought were "master options", for the tracks . 2012 continues to turn reverb on, and panning the instruments.

If you want to disable the reverb from the RealTracks, you don't do it in that MIDI channels dialog. Instead you would do it in Prefs-RealTracks "Add Reverb to RealTracks". This is because the reverb isn't coming from the style, it is coming from the RealTracks itself, and can be turned off.

As for panning, there are only a few styles that load with panning, and they are 2012 versions only. Those panning settings get disabled in the Prefs-Channels dialog.

A simpler approach would just be to set up your preferred mix, and then rightclick on Combo at top left- Save Current Mix as Default. Then whenever you want to recall that mix, rightclick on Combo-"Load Default Mix", which in your case would be mono panning, and no reverb.
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For the RT "acting weird on held chords", the example you quoted was a "smooth jazz soloist". Soloists don't participate in holds, as it wouldn't be realistic for a soloist to keep interrupting his solo with shots and holds.

If you have a specific example, please email that to support@pgmusic.com

Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.