Here's how to save tons and tons of time- get me a program that's simple to use, not needlessly complicated. If I get a document formatted from someone else, it shouldn't matter. I should be able to create any kind of list I want, regardless of whatever else is around, with a simple option.

How about "create list" or something?
Then you could tell it where to start numbering, and it would just, you know, start numbering? No warnings and error messages and nonsense about previous lists and their locations and things I don't care about. Just start at 2.6.1, and then start auto-numbering to 2.6.2, 2.6.3... Have a little checkbox option you could undo if for some reason you didn't want it to autonumber. It really could be that simple.

But it's not.

You see that MS? Are you listening out there? Hire me as a consultant, I just gave you a freebie how to fix your broken, ridiculous program. You won't do it, though, I'm sure.

This is why SO many people hate MS Word. People who use it all day, every day, all the time. Ask around, do a survey. I haven't once heard anyone give it a glowing review. Most people roll their eyes, growl, and express their hatred of the program. From engineers to editors and authors, it's all I ever hear. There is a reason for this. I've used 3D CAD programs- created by French companies!- less needlessly complicated than, what is really nothing more than a glorified typewriter, for God's sake.

If anyone from that embarrassment of a company is listening, don't think you'll have the market cornered forever. Fix. Your. Problems.