We have continuing requirement for our users to edit PowerPoint files using
PPT 2003, when the files were originally created in PPT 2007 and saved as
.PPTs (compatibility mode).  Once the file is in .PPT format, these users may
have problems editing it in PPT 2003 due to apparent incompatibilities
between the PPT 2007 slide master model and the PPT 2003 slide master model.

When such a file is edited in PPT 2003, the Slide Master will typically show
two unconnected "Slide masters"  and no Title Master.  The appearances, etc.
of those two master slides are what they should be - i.e., there will be one
that looks like a real content slide, and one that looks like a real title
slide.

The problem creeps in when someone wants to change the "Title Master" (which
no longer apparently exists).  PPT gets confused and it will impose the
content placeholder layout on what's supposed to be a Title Slide.

In other cases, we've generated PPT 2003 sample presentations in PPT 2007
that had only one Slide Master slide when they got to PPT 2003.

Here's my question(s):

1.  I'd like to get a real rundown on what our users can expect as it
pertains to their ability to edit and modify presentations that were
originally created in 2007, but were saved in compatibility mode. I'm not
talking about Smart Art, etc. issues - I'm just talking about the Slide
Master issues
2.  When those users want to change title masters, what should they do?  
What procedures can we tell them to follow that will allow them to utilize a
different slide master?  And, no - simply copying a new master from some
other presentnation does NOT work.
3.  I believe that this issue constitutes a BUG in the implementation of
backward compatibility.  To say otherwise is to say, in effect, that backward
compatibility really doesn't exist.  And if that's the case, how come there
are no MS caveats posted all over the place explaining the ramifications of
this issue, workarounds, etc?  What's MS going to do about this?  When?

Anybody else troubled by this?