* It would be good if say Alt-O could open the options
-- Usually one has to open options to double-check what you are saving as so this would be helpful, I actually think Irfanview does quite well by opening the options automatically beside the save dialog if it was open last save so the options are all apparent. (Export somewhat does this but is a little overkill and can hang whilst creating a preview if it was last in such a state). I suggested another solution where the save dialog lists the settings that deviate from your designated norm. Certainly seeing the options in a ready way is very important.
David
Thanks to your detailed description I can reproduce