Cmd-E to enter search string is a nice start. Cmd-Opt-E to enter replacement string. Cmd-... to replace and find next Cmd-... to replace all
I use these commands more than almost any other when editing text. To have to use a dialog to enter the replacement string...to have to use the mouse to replace next...ouch. That's a big showstopper for me.
Oh...and why does 'Ignore Case' get greyed out when you use regular expression (and yet maintain the state last set to, as though it's either locked on or off)? -- (-, /\ / / //