[inspiredmac]

The method isn't as simple as you describe it. In fact, the process is quite wonky. You can't choose a solid fill color, then double-click on the fill icon to bring up the color selector. I had to choose a linear gradient then select the same color for the top and bottom gradients. Once I had done that, I could flip back to a solid color, which took on the color set for the top and bottom gradients. After that, I could choose the color selector icon and find myself immediately inside the color selector. Really kinda nutty!