UI usability improvements (v2.7 and up)

I really like the new interface.
It’s clean, intuitive and pretty much nicely designed.

I’ve just used the version 2.7 for a few days and there are already a few things I would like to see improve.

1. The theme is very grey and important features are not highlighted. E.g. the Publish box should have much more emphasis on color usage as this is an important box.

2. This is a big one, will split it up.

2.1 The post / page status should be a drop down box from the start.
Having to click the edit button, is one click to many.

2.2 Remove the top right button. It only confuses the user.

2.3 When changing status, the text on the blue button should change.
2.4 There should be only one button for saving / publishing the article.

Does anyone else (prefferably with usability background) have any ideas for improvements?