Windows 7 - How to customize shortkeys (like VLC) and select multiple clips

Hi,

I am slowly fading out my use of Media Center, for the simple reason that its interface is not customizable enough. However, I would prefer to be able to continue using it since it is simpler for the kids and family. Here are my main annoyances that, I hope, someone on this forum will be able to help resolve:

1- Play MULTIPLE clips, and FAST
When the friend's kids come over, we sometime plug them in front of the tv to keep them busy (I know, we are bad parents...). However, instead of simply playing a movie, I will put something like a whole seasons of the Smurfs, of a collection of Bugs Bunny clips. Each episode is only 5 - 15 minutes, but if I am able to select a whole bunch of them, it keeps them occupied for long enough. I noticed that:
a) I am unable to select a few clips. I can either select ONE, or use the "Select all" button. Is there a way to select just a few?
b) Most annoying, if I select "select all" and there are 100 clips in that folder, the media center will take 5 - 10 minutes before starting to play the clips. All the clips are stored on a NAS, but the connection is VERY FAST.. there is no reason not to immediately start playing the first clip. My HTPC has a read only connection to the NAS so I don't know if this has an impact or not.. but explaining to 10 kids waiting to see the TV start that "The TV has to think about it for 5 to 10 minutes before it will start playing" just doesn't make sense. Is there a turn-around?

2- I would like to be able to change the speed at which the videos are being played back. 1.1x, 1.3x, 2x, etc. In VLC, I can very easily do this (and configure hotkeys) but I haven't figured out how to do it in WMC. Keep in mind I am only playing downloader videos.. no DVDs or things like that. IS it possible?

3- I need to customize the lenght for the back and skip. I think the skip does 30 seconds but I would like it to be 10 seconds, for example. Can I do that?

Thanks,

custom