Creo model layer tree and Function $F2 as a mapkey

After recently upgradeing to Creo11 from Creo7, we came across a strnage conflict where our mapkey $F2 works in drawing mode but not in Modeling mode...sometimes.

As it turns out, if the layer tree is open in the model, the $F2 mapkey will not work but if it is collapsed or closed it will work.  Drawing mode is unaffected by the display of the layer tree.

I understnad that everywhere in Windows and many windows programs that $F2 is for rename.  I am not sure though why Creo does not unbind this, even after the Creo dialog pops up asking the user if they want to use the key for a mapkey or for a Creo Shortcut. Even after choosing mapkey, it still is depending on if the model layer tree is open, and if you click on a layer and press F2 it will rename that layer.  I opened Creo7 and verified that it did not work this way in Creo4, regardless of layer tree display status.

For a moment I thought it would be a workaround to add a collapse layer tree to the mapkey before running but of course if Creo never sees the key that won’t even run.  Any other ideas?  We may have to change the mapkey, but it is one of those that has been around as long as ProE (25+ years) and may not be easily changed in peoples minds.

I mention this here as a lesson learned for a rather challenging problem to solve, but also if anyone wants to add if they see this as a Creo bug or not, or add any other thoughts or workarounds to the discussion.