Yeah, I see what you're saying... and I guess I wasn't clear, either, in my description.
To keep things *extremely* simple, I decided to just use myHTPC for everything *but* MC. I then added an MC item to the list of myHTPC programs. When I execute it (MC), it opens MC in hairstyle mode - so I'm no longer seeing the myHTPC interface. As I mentioned, I wish I didn't have to deal with two different interfaces - but at least I get the option of adding content to myHTPC and still using Hairstyle (even though it's far from perfect - it does let me capitalize on the strongpoints of MC: the database).
The only alternative seems to be MusicLobby (expensive!) or one of the webremote type of apps (NetRemote?). I'm hoping the the next version of myHTPC (called H2) might let us integrate MC better - but I'm not holding my breath. It should be out in the next few months, though.
You're trying to open MC within the myHTPC interface, right? I wonder if anyone else here has done that (sucessfully!)?
Scott-