Not just you...

Only disadvantage to the Esc key tic is when the Page Layout Tool is selected; Esc closes the Edit Page Margins and/or the Edit System Margins windows which is a very minor pain.

Unfortunately spreading this out over more that one measure will create spacing issues between the notes over the [invisible] barline.

My 2¢ worth isn't perhaps worth much since I'm very much like encephalon in my proficiency in Speedy as well as having keyboard chops. I'd considered learning to use Simple well when MM implemented...

I don't think so, Motet. Do you have his plugin manuals, as well? He has detailed instructions for their use, including those in the light versions. He has, for example, settings which emulate Ted...