la_coterie,
I also found that .sat does not maintain original colors or layers when importing, same thing with .stp, as the different components were different colors. It seems to import to the same color that is active.
I will have to pass on doing the rest of it as a commitment although as you/if you post parts I will see what time permits in converting them to 3D solids/surfaces.
Maybe this will encourage you to get your feet wet in solids/surfaces.
Ken