[curt.clifton]

Originally Posted by kasi

6) I would like to quickly jump from a task in the context list to the corresponding entry in the task lists (may be in there already, but I simply couldn't find it)

Cmd-opt-R, or View --> Show in (other) Mode, or add the Show in Other Mode button to your toolbar.

Originally Posted by kasi

8) there should be a key combo for leaving the note field other than apple-' for closing the note (e.g., shift-tab).

Try Esc.

Your other suggestions are good ones!