When I'm pause-buffering to do the demo-dash in 3a, I'm holding LT (which is my grab button) and the pause menu turns transparent. Is this allowed? Because it looks kinda sketchy, and I think it would make splicing easier?

i think that happens when you press the journal button in the pause menu

yeah from what i know its allowed, i've seen other people do it

Yes, using the journal button to make the pause menu disappear to be able to see better is allowed, so no worries doing it to help you see