The latest 4.9.3 release has the recent version. Perhaps this can give some idea on updating of the version in previous releases, though I would suggest to use the latest release instead. Updating versions automatically would be a good thing indeed. We haven't implemented it so far.
As for point/image, I doubt that point is rendered at all, it's either/or situation, either a point or an image. The concept of multi-layered symbology is supported for line patterns only. I guess another shapefile or spatially referenced drawing layer is the only way to do it. Here is an example of latter: http://www.mapwindow.org/documentation/mapwingis4.9/_shapefile_to_drawing_layer_8cs-example.html
P.S. Please start separate discussion for each question.
As for point/image, I doubt that point is rendered at all, it's either/or situation, either a point or an image. The concept of multi-layered symbology is supported for line patterns only. I guess another shapefile or spatially referenced drawing layer is the only way to do it. Here is an example of latter: http://www.mapwindow.org/documentation/mapwingis4.9/_shapefile_to_drawing_layer_8cs-example.html
P.S. Please start separate discussion for each question.