Quick question, I do not edit MIDI extremely often, but curious if you folks have tired keyboard binding the
specific tools you are using in your workflows? Each one of them is currently unbound (for me anyway), but can be. Preferences->Customization->Keyboard Shortcuts (advanced mode) and type "tool" in the search box. That would at least quickly limit the cursor to specific functions, but not sure if this has been tried or useful to those posting here.
I can certainly see the Smart tool being issues with all of its embedded functionality on tiny hot spots.