Did you look at the preferences for the node tool in Inkscape 0.48? Isn't [x] Show temporary outline for selected paths exactly what you are asking for? ("temporarily flash a path outline when a path is actually selected")
Did you look at the preferences for the node tool in Inkscape 0.48? Isn't
[x] Show temporary outline for selected paths
exactly what you are asking for? ("temporarily flash a path outline when a path is actually selected")