[mdp]

Originally Posted by Bruce Wayne

Background is not white & text is not black but grayish

That is not technically bound (a bad configuration is possible but a system can be capable of display source white as EPD lightest and source black as EPD darkest), and on my last use on my setup (HDMI on a Linux desktop) I am fairly sure that I did not meet that problem.

Originally Posted by Bruce Wayne

Screen protector received is glossy n results in glare

There are professional products available. Please see e.g.
→ There are places which install the protector professionally and cut the source sheet with a plotter - I go to "Clear-Coat, Mobile Outfitters". Of course, they have matte ...
→ MobileOutfitters Clear Coat (or Fusion?) for Max 2

Originally Posted by Bruce Wayne

I am trying to minimize my mouse use

That is the proper way.

Originally Posted by Bruce Wayne

Wish some keyboard shortcut key could be assigned to do a screen refresh

It is in theory possible, as a keyboard shortcut that issues a command like `adb shell [some command here for the tablet]`...
For example, a user recently has identified an Android keyboard shortcut in the firmware, [F11], that switches A2 mode. So, for example, a
`adb shell input keyevent KEYCODE_F11 ; adb shell input keyevent KEYCODE_F11`
(double for "on" and "off") or similar correct syntax could do the trick. If a keyboard shortcut (on Android, not on the device to be monitored) directly for refresh is found, even better.

For further clarity: an `adb shell [some Android shell command for the tablet]` is issued on a desktop OS connected to an Android device to send a command for said device. You can bind that "outer" command to a keyboard shortcut on the desktop OS. Find the Android command that refreshes the screen and you are set.

Originally Posted by Bruce Wayne

this should last me for at least 2 years before any issues after daily use as a monitor

Please see my post #170 in this very thread,
→ The lifespan is equivalent to "if you used it every day in traditional 8hrs working-days for five years, assuming a [dot] is switched on average every 5s (which is probably a lot)" ...
You can do your math and see if the values match your use.
Same page: «... the specs sheet for the "E-Ink Carta Imaging Film" states «10 million switches». (It also says "or five years" ...»

Originally Posted by Bruce Wayne

I am still not convinced that this thing costs this much to produce

You have, I assume, checked the E-Ink page with component prices - which are fitting with the assembled product.
The item cost also depends on keeping the business alive, absorbing R&D costs, admin salaries etc. (in classical theory and more, you know, it would depend on the optimal point for revenue...)

Originally Posted by Bruce Wayne

Basic Colors - I dont need 16 million colors but at the least some basic colors and their shades so that color content can be seen n interpreted

We are hoping for newer technologies and implementations. You may have heard of the past attempts (PixelQi, Mirasol) and newer ones (CLEARink).
You may also have heard of E-Ink's AcEP, which seems to have made good progresses in the past months - but I would not expect miracles in refresh times.