Bossmonkey,

3) The equivelent of the shift key on the 15-1994 is the P key at the top left. You can learn a function or macro to a P-then-Key and keep the original key function.

For example my receiver has SURR key programmed for Surround Effects toggle. I have set P-SURR to enable Enhanced-DPL/DD effects on my Yamaha 2092.

4) Yep, This model has a blueish-white backlighting. I prefer this one better than the redish backlighting.