Piltdown Man,
Could you expand on these a little?
"Digital manuals with a proper index so you don't have to go to the one above"
Not sure what you mean by this? Would a [BACK] button solve the problem?
"A guidance panel with lights above the selected mode with values shown in windows on the panel as well as in the PFD/ND"
What values?
"Automatic altitude arming (change the altitude and have ALT armed automatically)"
Is this a safe thing to do? Would you never pre-select an altitude ahead of time, then arm it at the appropriate time?
"A live VS wheel"
Not sure what you mean by this: live even when not under autopilot (or flight director) control?