Re the default setup: bear in mind that C1's #1 design goal is not making it easier for LR users to switch to C1 (though there is some consideration given there naturally) but to make C1 the best interface possible for it's target users (typically a bit more advanced/pro than the prosumer market LR tends to target). There is always some loss of simplicity when providing such flexibility and power (though we should always push them to keep as much simplicity as possible!).
C1's interface is designed to be customizable to reasonably fit an 11" MBA laptop and expand usefully to a dual-30" monitor setup .... This is a great solution, and since you can save the workspace you only have to make sure changes once.
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Hey Jeremy,
Yes, its a good idea. Spend 4 minutes watching to save 20 minutes keyboard bashing.
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Sorry Doug (and Dave),
I'm a pro and I started with C1 and move away when they went to v4. Came back in v6 to try it for portraits. No matter how you word it, LR has a better workflow than C1. Yes, you can create keyboard shortcuts but some things can't be done via keyboard shortcuts.
Like I mentioned in LL forum (where you responded), you need to create workspaces in order to achieve something that I consider basic and necessary: switch from full browser mode, to individual image viewing to processing the image. In LR, you only need to hit either G/E or D. In C1 you need to hit several key combination keys and you can't make a shortcut for changing spaces (the only way to achieve some things). C1 requires use of the mouse a lot more.
For LR, I watched one video when it was introduced and it was done. With C1, I watched (I forgot how many videos) so many videos so many times and I'm still told that I need to take some courses. Even Photoshop requires less training than C1.
Maybe Phase should look at their own past history (aka v3.xx; and yes, you can add things without complicating it) or Adobe when it comes to keeping it simple (although it's good that at least you can customize your tools).
You might think "use LR if you don't like C1". Just like with anything, in some cases LR gives me a better output and in other cases C1 does, thus the reason for me trying to use it (but I will always use LR for weddings).
Another point: C1 Pro, is (supposed) to be designed to work with many cameras thus with all kinds of photographers. C1 started with the DB guys which implies a certain type of photographer and workflow. C1 Pro is for more types of photographers, but that doesn't mean one type is a Pro and the other is a Prosumer.