shape merge

will the next version have the ability to combine shapes into one vector shape vs. grouping?

has any thought been given to allowing the connection of points? for example, when drawing lines, allow a line to end at the point of another shape to allow it to become one?

This is difficult. It will definitely not be in the next version. Frank asked for the merge shape feature some time in the past and I have added it to the list of things to do.