Looks like you don't know Trio (Contour) very well. For example:
"Recording a show, why do I have to go through 3 screens to record a show, it should be a simple hit the record button, window pops up to record episode or series (yes if you record series you should get another screen for options) and then click select to confirm. Instead I'm taken to another screen where it is telling me to hit the tiny button C to confirm. Yes you can hit select, but it isn't exactly intuitive."
Gee, hit the big red "REC" button on the remote. If watching a program, that program begins to record. ONE BUTTON! If you are in the guide, the highlighted program will be marked for recording. Again, ONE BUTTON! If you want to add/subtract time from the start/end of the program, or set up a series recording, then you can use the menus.