1. it does. In options, IRC/options set it to flash on channel/query msg, then in options/sounds on event FLASH set a sound (be sure you have sounds enabled checked).
2. imo, you can tab thru them fast enuf to check timestamp if the time the post was made is how you establish priority on who to answer first.
3. im still trying to figure out what a paned layout scheme is since im sure you know you can tile windows so thats not it
4.options/dcc/options, on completion close window. Unchecked, it wont close. why add settable secs?
5. is this a request for more than 16 color choices?
(side note, you do know you can alter the default colours?)