Patching extra functionality into <gamemd.exe>

[VK]

YR + Alpha =
there seem to be special classes just for making those 25%, 50% and 75% alpha features working,

Not right. However we can make own blitter for any transparent value.

I really don't know what WW's problem was (assuming they used Direct3D).

YR NOT use Direct3D at ALL!
It use Direct Draw.

anyway, the possibility of having 16 bit shps is exilarating

It will show normal.

Does RockPatch allow for disabling of the new GUI sliders

Yes. You can use ShowTechLevelSlider=yes/no for TechLevel Slider

I tried negative damage and the attacked unit was healed!

Yes. It's used in many mods.