1) these guys might be what you are after > and < (shift,/.) 2) parent constraint, just remember to delete it afterwards. 3) there is probably some trick, but i just select things using different views (top,side, front, persp) I never really have a problem. 4) doesn't duplicate special just duplicate something, where as the other one will transform the opposite verts and edges to the vert or edges you are controlling... i wouldn't bother with reflection.