haha - i tried that one -lol- Merry xmas to you too! :D

But i have figured that it must be correct on the throttle reverse situation - as when i get the "outcome B" (above - #1) on the ESC it is only when the brake servo is moved to the "braking position" - but for the ESC to get to "outcome B" the TX must have been put into forward throttle (as noted by the ESC), otherwise it would start the beeping.......right? -lol-

just got a reply over on another forum..... sounds like my worst fears in the whole world have just been semi-kinda-confirmed...this is what was posted :(

***START***
"I think your are going to have problems with a pistol style radio as the controller is expecting either -100% (full off) to arm, or +100% (full on) to go into programing mode. The neutral point on a pistol will be 0% which the controller interprets as half throttle.

This is due to being an Aircraft mode ESC, not car/boat style."
***END***

mannnnn - anyone got some suggestions on a replacement ESC if it's needed? :(