1. maybe you are using the disk writter output plugin? At first start, it defaults to this output plugin, you need to select esd. Then tell me if you get the same problem as dblank
2. I only had problems with other language, that's why I removed completly the broken i18n (I say broken because on debian it's the same). File buttons, you mean in playlist, these 3 little stuffs when you tap + FILE ? Hum I tried all buttons, I don't have a problem.
Can you please post the result of
$locale
3. Z order, z order .. what's that The fact that new window open behind older ones? I discovered this problem now, when you configure a plugin, its configuration window goes behind (still accessible if you close the one in front). I have no way of checking in e17 at the moment.

Thanks for the feedback.

It would be great if people tell us which device it is and which OS.

I'll try to see if some crazy plugins visualisation works (geiss,.. without gl). Much harder I guess.