It’s oddly reassuring to hear that other users struggle with those knobs. As I said, I think the Cubase 7.02 update may have helped me - although it may simply be that I’ve got a bit better about struggling to get them to respond.
For what it’s worth, I also have quite a long wait for the GUI to appear in all its finery. I don’t get the framework you show - I get a long wait before the full GUI comes up.
Steve.