Yes, I would prefer that, but, as I said before, the issue is really that the AE lock is cancelled when one moves the focus point. It's a software bug, but Panasonic is not going to fix the software for one person. A tiny annoyance I should learn to live with. In fact I have, but like to check every so often to see if someone has found a magical way around this small bug.
The AE Lock is cancelled when the focus point is moved. My current workaround is: 1) use center-point focus (like in the old days), 2) pick target and set AE Lock, 3) using center point, focus, re-compose, fire. Would be nice to lock exposure and just freely take photos - but it just requires more careful sequencing than normal.
Not a Big Deal. Its just that we have this really fast and efficient focusing by touch screen, but it is not usable with AE Lock - Shame.