Bernard, good post, and you have articulated your points well.

For "problem #2", in the new 'modern' interface there is now a progress bar that shows the progression in a song. Is that similar to what you are missing?

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
2016-12-05_00-03-22.jpg (77.59 KB, 40 downloads)

BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones