Alternate views will be in the forthcoming release. Until then, perhaps lock the objects that obscure your work.
Although revolve is similar to extrude, it's not the same (you can extrude in a ring with Tools->replicator).
The "Revolve" term has been used since the very first AC3D (circa 1992), when there were only a very small number of 3D modellers available. The original idea of the name came from the maths 'volume of revolution'. Although other software uses 'loft' and 'lathe' terminology instead of the 'revolve', I still think revolve is a better choice, since you can revolve < 360 degrees and also greater with an offset (not really possible on a lathe). A loft (in the UK) is a roof space.
Choosing new words to summarise a function is sometimes a very difficult thing...
Thanks for your feedback.
Andy