[axbmcuser]

@Sumanyu
No, such an option is not planned at this point. I'll keep it in mind...

@altern8tube

there is one difference i've noticed on kodi 18 which is the "Buffering %" display.

The KODI 18 skin version still is just a quick "beta version" at the moment. All our custom setups stay at KODI 17 for the foreseeable future, so the KODI 17 skin version is the most supported.
I promise to have a look at the KODI 18 version and the mentioned buffering-info as soon as circumstances allow.

a very minor preference. is there any way to put the Favourites icon back at the bottom (or top) of the screen next to the Power button.

This option has been removed after much consideration. It's not planned to be changed to the old option/way again, i'm afraid. :<