I am also puzzled with the collection module but it looks like I work in a bit of a different way.
In DT 3.8 - I was able to assign hot keys
hold 7 and scroll and it changes the rating in the filter.
hold 6 and scroll and it changes the less than greater than etc.
Even I was able to restore the last one “hold 6 and scroll” (the upgrade from 3.8 to 4.0 removed it by the way)- there is no indication on the top screen what it is doing. I have to keep both open in order to see the filter on 2 completely different areas.
Then it is possible to go into disconnect - it displays 1 star on the top and 2 stars on the rating panel on the left. So - what is what?
From end user point of view - while I can work with either views - 3.8 and 4.0 - it is more strain to understand what is selected - 1 star or 2 stars etc. in 4.0 ( - 3.8 was clearer.
I like the option to select between 2 and 4 stars with a drag of a mouse but for the last 2 hours I was unable to assign a short cut to this functionality.
The “and” “or” mathematical symbols I don’t mind them as there is a pop up on mouse over. Even if the user is not used to them - it is possible to figure it out by hovering on top.
But I really miss the <>= etc. on the top.
Not sure what is the future vision of this module. Currently I see elements I like (range of stars selected) and elements that I don’t like at all (the need to keep the collection filter open and the lack of the logical symbols <>= etc on top)