I'm having a similar issue with the LT version losing the default material, except mine always occurs during modeling, and usually after beveling at that.
The original concept was very Gorillaz El Manana like, except with a lighthouse instead of a windmill. Really cool idea. Can't wait to see it finished. :)
I've had the exact opposite experience, except with Red Dead, the PS3 CONSTANTLY reads from the disc, it's loud, atmosphere shattering and goddamn annoying!!
sketching on paper is faster, finished art on the other hand isnt. You will find exceptions to the rule for both but this is the average for most artists i've found.