(1) This is something we're considering to change based on the feedback we're receiving from clients. But it's not so obvious what the solution should be. Because when adding a new col/row, how should children be repositioned? before or after the new col/row? what would happen if they have span? Maybe adding an entry to the menu for "Insert col/row before", "Insert col/row after" would be more explicit and clear about what to do with the children.

(2) Do you know how to reproduce this?

in memory #2 happens every single time i add a row, and my grid is about 8 rows with 2 columns with lots of inner items so maybe it only happens with lots of layout. Things are really weird until i reload and then it is all sane again. If it happens again when I am working I will try and investigate it further, but I am not really sure that I want to continue with noesis.

For #1 I dont see that there is ever a reason to automatically change spans. if i have a 2 span and then i add a new row the old span can remain 2. I dont see the benefit to changing the users settings, especially since how will i know what changed? I must rush to source control every time i change a grid? I will not pretend to be an expert at all the modes grids have to offer but i dont see why the children have to reposition at all ( i am only adding to the end of the grid ) .