Hello Mark,
In response to your questions -
1. This is correct. All objects in an OpenPlant PowerPID are intelligent. You can still place plane MicroStation graphic elements. Unless these are linked to a "component class" they will remain as plane MicroStation graphics. The intelligent items contain all the propertie data, as well, the data can be written to the Bentley Plant Prioject Database. In terms of "....and is used directly by piping.." - in the impending SELECT series 5 release of OpenPlant Modeler this is possible via a Bentley i-model. Full 2D to 3D integration will evolve in the product over several updates and releases.
2. Full configuration of the workspace, including cells, appearance, and properties is supported. We do include an Imperial, Metric and ISO standard workspace. Soon you will also have access to a KKS workspace if that is something you need.
Configuring your own cells to use in PowerPID is done through the Component Manager.. If you were unable to assign intelligence to the component perhaps this will help. The process requires that you use an existing class as a "base" class so that the Component Manager assigns the respective properties and behavior to the new component.
You can look in the help file on creating a new component using the Component Manager as well look here: communities.bentley.com/.../oppid-component-manager-tips.aspx
I also recommned you look into taking a Distance Learning class for PowerPID. This will be most helpful and is someting you can do without travel.
I hope this helps,
Tony DeRosa
Senior Application Engineer
Bentley Plant