Is there a way to force DDReamstudio to use a Grid->8th view by default?

No, but you can just hit shift+tab twice for shortcut...

Haven`t thought about that. ^^;
Never the less, have you thought about putting, this and similar view controlling options in "options.ini"?
I would really gladly welcome option which allowed me to move progress bar, little more to the right, away from waveform display. I keep accidentally hiting it, always when I try to make a selection. ;)

This is doable too, but see your other thread about a selection technique that could help you

It helps. Thenk you ;)