Quote - It appears to me that what you want to do is to select a small number of vertices easily and have precise control over their movement.

Pretty much the same way as you have with a Poser magnet.

So why not use a magnet?

Isn't there somewhat of a huge difference between (control) pointing your mouse at the screen and a cumbersome (XYZ controled) magnet. Just saying.

The morphing tool is a similar experience to pushing/pulling clay around also similar to 3D sculpting programs, completely different kind of interaction entirely.