When you use solid edge or solid works, all the parts of the model are independent, so if you want to paint a machine, you have to select all the bolts, nuts, washers.....I think that a "select all" or a window selection tool will be good.
Whe you have a model that is all stainless steel, except for one or two pieces, that option will be great.
v2 will definitely support this. We are also working on an importer for SolidEdge that will group things more intelligently.