I usually hide the style window when Rigging but the select shape tool shortcuts (alt, alt+shift, ctrl etc) stop functioning. is this an error or do i have to check somewhere?

I second (or third, fourth, fifth, whatever) the request for you to get a talented artist to do the Character Wizard drawings and all other drawings such as those in the included content, user guides, and on your website pages. The extremely poor drawings you have now undoubtedly are an instant turn...