subtlearts

If it's not working like this for you... well, that's annoying to be sure. I tried to contact Contour about something else a while ago and got no answer, so it seems they're in a kind of semi-dormant state at best, and since it's kind of their thing rather than CW's, I don't know that the good folks in Boston will be able to help you much either. Which OS are you using? I'm in XP SP3 here, maybe that makes a difference?

Win 7 x64 SP1 here, so yes, the situation is quite different!  Oh well, I still do appreciate your response, SA.  Maybe Contour will pick up the stick again, btu I think that old CS plugin was a freak of nature from back when they were more responsive. I might try digging it back out to see if it will install. And I may try to get some support from them as well... worth a try, at least.  Their software should be made so that it can work whether the app being controlled is run in compatibility mode or not.
 
OK now, bringing Contour back into the OP's thread, Contour doea have a RollerMouse on their site that looks interesting. I haven't tried it, though.

+1 for trackballs.  For repetitive tasks, they are unbeatable.  You can decouple the motion and the click/clench grasp actions, which are murder on your wrists over time when doing precise movements.  I love being able to move my cursor to a spot on a screen, such as a forward/back icon on a plugin's presets, and simply click over and over and over without having to look or reposition the cursor because the mouse moved a couple of millimeters.  Even with click+drag options, you can utilize your other hand to click the button while the right hand stays in a neutral position to roll the ball.

I've had a marbleman for years and loved the shape , but really wanted the extra functionality of a scroll wheel for certain apps, so went with the Kensington with the scroll ring and have been quite happy with it.

+1 for seeing a doctor.  S/he may also recommend physical therapy (as stated above)