I finally figured out the key binding (on my computer keyboard) that makes control of the transport much more logical for me.
(It was unbearable before, because I always hated the using the "Control-Enter" to "pause" (instead "rewind to now time"), because half the time (because I am reacting so quickly) I would find I just did the opposite of what I intended. You know what I am talking about !)
So today I tried this:
Bind the "NumKeys Enter" to Play/Pause
Bind the "NumKey minus" to Rewind
Bind the "NumKey plus" to FastForward
(Note: On my keyboard, the "NumKey Enter" and "NumKey Minus" and "NumKey Plus" are on outer edge of my keyboard and easier to access more quickly than the other Enter, Plus, Minus keys)
 
So now during playback, I know that Enter is "Pause", and Spacebar is "Stop and Return to Now Time". (No combo key presses!)
 
AND FINALLY... when I am working with Sonar, to go back to fix the problem I just heard during playback:
I hit Enter (to stop right there!), then hit Minus key for a half second or so to rewind a little (just like I did on the old analog tape machine) 
Then I use the spacebar to play/stop because "Stop and return is now time" is what I want (keep replaying the problem area without bothering to set a loop). Tapping the Plus and minus keys allows me to easily adjust the now time, if needed (start point of my "manual loop"). 
 
No more trying to remember the "control key combo" to pause. And BTW, why would anyone put up with a "combo key press" (like Control-Spacebar) to control anything the transport- that was ridiculous. (Imagine an old analog tape that required you to "Press two buttons to pause")
Anyway, I am much happier now.
 

I thought I was the only one. 😊

Before X1 I had my function keys assigned the way I wanted. But X1 started using the same keys that I used for the new and improved "Smart Tools" so I decided that with X1 I would learn a new way to "move around." That hasn't happened yet.

But with your idea I may see a break in the clouds. Only time will tell.

FYI, one press of the W key pauses playback just like Ctrl+Space does, so my thumb is always on the space key and my mid finger on the W key (when I want to pause I hit W and when I want the playback to return to where it started I press Space). Also, if you're right-handed, you might want to assign Rewind to the comma key and FastForward to the period key because they have "<" and ">" on them and are closer to your left hand so your right hand won't have to leave the mouse.
I'm used to the default Ctrl+PageUp/Down but might consider using "<" and ">" thanks to your post.