Tabs are only partial solution. I like iTunes' windows because its easier to drag & drop between them.
When I compose playlist for evening dance party (I'm some kind of DJ-ing on Argentine Tango events) I can have window with playlist and other window with main library view. Then I can drag tracks and sequences of tracks to playlist window. Sometimes I do this "live", so it is very important not to break anything and interrupt played music
Other thing.
I rather don't like Playng Now/Now Playing concept.
Seems like you're better of with iTunes then...
No, really. Most of the things you point out, you can do.
I belive your biggest problem is that you have used MC for such a short time that you have not discovered the possibilities yet. Offcourse there is a transition from iTunes. And that's mostly a good thing.
Here's my view:
1. Select view settings and choose 2 columns (or more). Then you can have playlist/library in one window and playing now in another. You can easily drag and drop.
2. You can also open the playlist in the Action Window and drag and drop files there as you find them i the library.
3. Playing now is sort of a playlist. You allways know where the song is playing. I think it's really good when you get used to it.
If you're a DJ, why do you need to pause/play alot anyway? Is'nt the whole point having to a smooth transition between songs and not any dead silence?
PS. Just downloaded iTunes to try it out. It's been two years since the last time, and I do understand why I switched.
I'm so glad I got to know J River Media Center. It's so many steps ahead