> Then, if I have Ctrl+A select across all layers, can I force Ctrl+Alt+A to select only within the current layer?
Yes. With a recent trunk revisions you have a new Interface>Shortcuts page in the preferences (Edit>Inkscape Preferences) that allows you to change the shortcuts. With older revision and official releases, you can modify the default keys file directly (see http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Customize-Files.html#Customize-Files-Shortcuts).
> Then, if I have Ctrl+A select across all layers, can I force Ctrl+Alt+A to select only within the current layer?
Yes. With a recent trunk revisions you have a new Interface>Shortcuts page in the preferences (Edit>Inkscape Preferences) that allows you to change the shortcuts. tavmjong. free.fr/ INKSCAPE/ MANUAL/ html/Customize- Files.html# Customize- Files-Shortcuts).
With older revision and official releases, you can modify the default keys file directly (see http://