Wow this is an extremely useful post.
I had no idea that the HTC button was actually an active button with functionality crippled by Sense 5.0.
I also had no idea that one could achieve using swipes to turn on/off the phone. HTC's biggest hardware flaw tends to be the physical buttons, so this is a huge relief. You're making me consider the One instead of the S4 I have now (I could also really use the speakers since I use my phones as speakerphones a lot). If only the One had a barometer...
How hard was it to do all the modding? And which aspects of Sense (what functions) do you miss most?
Sorry for the delay in response.
The android revolution rom IS a sense 5 ROM. So I don't miss anyting about sense. Also there is a dual boot feature in the works for dual booting a sense based ROM and s Google play ROM while utilizing the same apps and user data. That will be cool.
What I did involves unlocking your boot loader and installing a custom recovery. After that you can flash whatever ROM you want or kernel.
I'm using the bulletproof kernel to achieve the functions you were asking about. Tbaldens kernel also has these features and several mapping functions.
So yes. The capacitive area does extend under the HTC logo. The swipe right to wake feature is my favorite form of waking up my phone.
If you would like more info send me a PM. I'll provide you with some links etc that will help you out.
And as far as how hard is it? Its easy. I could take an HTC one out of the box and have it working as described within fifteen minutes.
HTC One - Unlocked, ARHD 12, Bulletproof Kernel, Several mods.
Nexus 7 - Cyanogenmod
Tab 2 7 - Cyanogenmod