Re: coloured slurs
Is it possible to show slurs (when used for phrasing) in colour so that they don't obliterate lyric lines.
Yes, but it is not easy and ultimately not satisfying. Slurs are the color of the staff on which they are placed. Layer a colored staff containing slurs with a normal staff without slurs.
If not how can I increase the space between the stave and the lyric.
Use the 'Offset:' property of the Lyrics Command.