>>but this bloody X,Y arrow has a handle in the centre that overrides

Try turning off the WorkPlane using:

MenuBar : WorkPlane : Show Work Plane

Tim

Try the following:

Select WorkPlane : Show Grid (turn on grid and workplane)
Select WorkPlane : Show WorkPlane (turns off workplane)

Tim

A little more information;

If I start in 2D, then only "Show Grid" is listed under Work Plane Menu.
If I switch to 3D mode and click "Show Workplane" there, then switch back to 2D mode, it shows up under the menu, but un-responsive.
Also, "Show Grid" and "Show Grid Settings" is listed twice and are the only menu items that work.

You don't have to use the origin to select your part. You can select anywhere on your part.

You haven't mentioned what program you are using.
SharkFX PC has no problem hiding the arrow, and still have the grid visible.

I'm not familiar with the grid or aware that the grid itself moves. I have used it like once a few years ago. I personally don't use grid as using it is elementary. I think after doing 3D for a long time you pretty much know your way around in 3D space but I could see it being used in some situations.

I just found out that it can do radial lines. something I have not seen before in any other CAD software. But given that you can set the grid setting and enabling grid to show, I still don't see what the problem is since the grid cannot be selected. I do know the handles of the xyz can move thus moving the grid anywhere. Maybe the grid should be left alone and just move the part where you want it with snap to grid enabled.

It almost sounds as if the grid is glued to the part. I'm not aware that that can happen. then again I don't use grid.