Ok, let's ignore the fact that "the competition does it that way, therefore it is the right way" and look at the reasons.

It seems to me, that there are two "modes" of operation that are involved. The first mode is "SETUP OF OPTIONS" and the second mode is "PLAYING OF MUSIC" -- it seems to me that if you are in the former mode, it is invaluable to have all the common options (fade, balance, loudness, etc etc etc) all in one place. However, Set-up is basically a one time affair, and once it is done, it is *done*.

It seems to me that after the "SETUP" mode is complete, the needs of the user changes significantly.

Is it possible to declare this "mode" so that while the player is in SETUP, you can easily change all the options. Perhaps even the up-down-left-right buttons can be used to aid setup as well. ? Then when SETUP is complete, and the player goes into "PLAYBACK" mode, it would be great is all the buttons, twists and pushes, holds, etc, all aid the playback of songs.

Calvin "2 cents"