I use WAVES GTR a lot! I like to automate the distortion on/off and other such variables. However, scrolling through the whole list is harder than it needs to be. When I try to select which VST feature I'd like to automate, a drop-down list 10 miles long appears...which isn't very easy to navigate.
There's a better way, already included in this software though. If you assign an existing envelope to a different effect, it allows you to open a pop-up window that is SO MUCH EASIER to scroll through. Can this just be the default when selecting the automation in the first place? 

While waiting you already know how to force the popup.
 
Assign the envelop to the first unused value in Waves GTR. Then right-click the envelope line, Assign Envelope and select the plug-in to force the popup.
 
Also the current menu system will jump to selections by clicking the first letter in the option. Unfortunately, it wraps after the last selection.

Right...just wish it were consistent. It's not SO bad when there are only a few options (like with a compressor)...

Here is a compressor with more than a few options. The developer also exposes quite a few unused slots which show up as blanks in the dialog box. The plug-in bypass is at the bottom of the list. Fortunately, it is the only parameter starting with a b in this plug-in so typing b in the menu sets it up without having to scroll. Unfortunately plug-ins with "bands" also start with b so, the dialog is handy.

I don't know about popup acutually but in general, I think wherever it has a long list, it should have a search box so you can search whatever you want.
In bitwig studio it has a search box above the parameter list. And it also show the parameter you touch last in a synth or fx on the top of the list.

it's not about parameter but when I try to choose a send destination for sidechain comp, it usually gets very long list and it's hard to find it. So I think a search box might be a solution for these things.

I find it easier to record (write) automation with knob movement, just one move to activate envelope, and edit it after that.

Is that video supposed to show how insane the current system is?