diff --git a/piker/ui/_axes.py b/piker/ui/_axes.py
index 4d197f5a..b6fb9281 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_axes.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_axes.py
@@ -306,7 +306,10 @@ class DynamicDateAxis(Axis):
         times = array['time']
         i_0, i_l = times[0], times[-1]
 
+        # edge cases
         if (
+            not indexes
+            or
             (indexes[0] < i_0
              and indexes[-1] < i_l)
             or
diff --git a/piker/ui/_chart.py b/piker/ui/_chart.py
index 14921b3d..7f078a47 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_chart.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_chart.py
@@ -829,8 +829,6 @@ class ChartPlotWidget(pg.PlotWidget):
     sig_mouse_leave = QtCore.pyqtSignal(object)
     sig_mouse_enter = QtCore.pyqtSignal(object)
 
-    _l1_labels: L1Labels = None
-
     mode_name: str = 'view'
 
     # TODO: can take a ``background`` color setting - maybe there's
@@ -986,13 +984,15 @@ class ChartPlotWidget(pg.PlotWidget):
         '''
         # TODO: compute some sensible maximum value here
         # and use a humanized scheme to limit to that length.
-        l1_len = self._max_l1_line_len
+        from ._l1 import L1Label
+        l1_len = abs(L1Label._x_br_offset)
         ryaxis = self.getAxis('right')
 
         r_axis_x = ryaxis.pos().x()
         up_to_l1_sc = r_axis_x - l1_len
         marker_right = up_to_l1_sc - (1.375 * 2 * marker_size)
-        line_end = marker_right - (6/16 * marker_size)
+        # line_end = marker_right - (6/16 * marker_size)
+        line_end = marker_right - marker_size
 
         # print(
         #     f'r_axis_x: {r_axis_x}\n'
@@ -1231,7 +1231,8 @@ class ChartPlotWidget(pg.PlotWidget):
                 # (we need something that avoids clutter on x-axis).
                 axis.add_sticky(
                     pi=pi,
-                    bg_color=color,
+                    fg_color='black',
+                    # bg_color=color,
                     digits=digits,
                 )
 
diff --git a/piker/ui/_cursor.py b/piker/ui/_cursor.py
index 762acf73..3172be1a 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_cursor.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_cursor.py
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ class LineDot(pg.CurvePoint):
 
         plot: ChartPlotWidget,  # type: ingore # noqa
         pos=None,
-        color: str = 'default_light',
+        color: str = 'bracket',
 
     ) -> None:
         # scale from dpi aware font size
@@ -349,7 +349,7 @@ class Cursor(pg.GraphicsObject):
         # XXX: not sure why these are instance variables?
         # It's not like we can change them on the fly..?
         self.pen = pg.mkPen(
-            color=hcolor('default'),
+            color=hcolor('bracket'),
             style=QtCore.Qt.DashLine,
         )
         self.lines_pen = pg.mkPen(
@@ -365,7 +365,7 @@ class Cursor(pg.GraphicsObject):
         self._lw = self.pixelWidth() * self.lines_pen.width()
 
         # xhair label's color name
-        self.label_color: str = 'default'
+        self.label_color: str = 'bracket'
 
         self._y_label_update: bool = True
 
diff --git a/piker/ui/_dataviz.py b/piker/ui/_dataviz.py
index 07ead769..d43377b9 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_dataviz.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_dataviz.py
@@ -217,6 +217,9 @@ def render_baritems(
     )
 
 
+_sample_rates: set[float] = {1, 60}
+
+
 class Viz(msgspec.Struct):  # , frozen=True):
     '''
     (Data) "Visualization" compound type which wraps a real-time
@@ -284,15 +287,33 @@ class Viz(msgspec.Struct):  # , frozen=True):
         reset: bool = False,
 
     ) -> float:
+
+        # attempt to dectect the best step size by scanning a sample of
+        # the source data.
         if self._index_step is None:
+
             index = self.shm.array[self.index_field]
             isample = index[:16]
-            mxdiff = np.diff(isample).max()
+
+            mxdiff: None | float = None
+            for step in np.diff(isample):
+                if step in _sample_rates:
+                    if (
+                        mxdiff is not None
+                        and step != mxdiff
+                    ):
+                        raise ValueError(
+                            f'Multiple step sizes detected? {mxdiff}, {step}'
+                        )
+                    mxdiff = step
+
             self._index_step = max(mxdiff, 1)
             if (
                 mxdiff < 1
                 or 1 < mxdiff < 60
             ):
+                # TODO: remove this once we're sure the above scan loop
+                # is rock solid.
                 breakpoint()
 
         return self._index_step
diff --git a/piker/ui/_display.py b/piker/ui/_display.py
index e544b64d..482cdfb6 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_display.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_display.py
@@ -328,10 +328,6 @@ async def graphics_update_loop(
             digits=symbol.tick_size_digits,
             size_digits=symbol.lot_size_digits,
         )
-        # TODO: this is just wrong now since we can have multiple L1-label
-        # sets, so instead we should have the l1 associated with the
-        # plotitem or y-axis likely?
-        # fast_chart._l1_labels = l1
 
         # TODO:
         # - in theory we should be able to read buffer data faster
@@ -416,11 +412,11 @@ async def graphics_update_loop(
 
             last_quote_s = time.time()
 
-            for sym, quote in quotes.items():
-                ds = dss[sym]
+            for fqsn, quote in quotes.items():
+                ds = dss[fqsn]
                 ds.quotes = quote
 
-                rt_pi, hist_pi = pis[sym]
+                rt_pi, hist_pi = pis[fqsn]
 
                 # chart isn't active/shown so skip render cycle and
                 # pause feed(s)
@@ -449,16 +445,21 @@ async def graphics_update_loop(
 def graphics_update_cycle(
     ds: DisplayState,
     quote: dict,
+
     wap_in_history: bool = False,
     trigger_all: bool = False,  # flag used by prepend history updates
     prepend_update_index: Optional[int] = None,
 
 ) -> None:
-    # TODO: eventually optimize this whole graphics stack with ``numba``
-    # hopefully XD
+
+    # TODO: SPEEDing this all up..
+    # - optimize this whole graphics stack with ``numba`` hopefully
+    #   or at least a little `mypyc` B)
+    # - pass more direct refs as input to avoid so many attr accesses?
+    # - use a streaming minmax algo and drop the use of the
+    #   state-tracking ``chart_maxmin()`` routine from above?
 
     chart = ds.chart
-    # TODO: just pass this as a direct ref to avoid so many attr accesses?
     hist_chart = ds.godwidget.hist_linked.chart
 
     flume = ds.flume
@@ -471,10 +472,7 @@ def graphics_update_cycle(
         msg=f'Graphics loop cycle for: `{chart.name}`',
         delayed=True,
         disabled=not pg_profile_enabled(),
-        # disabled=True,
         ms_threshold=ms_slower_then,
-
-        # ms_threshold=1/12 * 1e3,
     )
 
     # unpack multi-referenced components
@@ -554,48 +552,34 @@ def graphics_update_cycle(
 
         profiler('view incremented')
 
-    # from pprint import pformat
-    # frame_counts = {
-    #     typ: len(frame) for typ, frame in frames_by_type.items()
-    # }
-    # print(
-    #     f'{pformat(frame_counts)}\n'
-    #     f'framed: {pformat(frames_by_type)}\n'
-    #     f'lasts: {pformat(lasts)}\n'
-    # )
-    # for typ, tick in lasts.items():
-    # ticks_frame = quote.get('ticks', ())
+    # iterate frames of ticks-by-type such that we only update graphics
+    # using the last update per type where possible.
     ticks_by_type = quote.get('tbt', {})
-
-    # for tick in ticks_frame:
     for typ, ticks in ticks_by_type.items():
 
         # NOTE: ticks are `.append()`-ed to the `ticks_by_type: dict` by the
         # `._sampling.uniform_rate_send()` loop
-        tick = ticks[-1]
-        # typ = tick.get('type')
+        tick = ticks[-1]  # get most recent value
+
         price = tick.get('price')
         size = tick.get('size')
 
         # compute max and min prices (including bid/ask) from
         # tick frames to determine the y-range for chart
         # auto-scaling.
-        # TODO: we need a streaming minmax algo here, see def above.
-        if liv:
+        if (
+            liv
+
+            # TODO: make sure IB doesn't send ``-1``!
+            and price > 0
+        ):
             mx = max(price + tick_margin, mx)
             mn = min(price - tick_margin, mn)
 
+        # clearing price update:
+        # generally, we only want to update grahpics from the *last*
+        # tick event once - thus showing the most recent state.
         if typ in clear_types:
-            # XXX: if we only wanted to update graphics from the
-            # "current"/"latest received" clearing price tick
-            # once (see alt iteration order above).
-            # if last_clear_updated:
-            #     continue
-
-            # last_clear_updated = True
-            # we only want to update grahpics from the *last*
-            # tick event that falls under the "clearing price"
-            # set.
 
             # update price sticky(s)
             end_ic = array[-1][[
@@ -610,10 +594,7 @@ def graphics_update_cycle(
                 chart.update_graphics_from_flow('bar_wap')
 
         # L1 book label-line updates
-        # XXX: is this correct for ib?
-        # if ticktype in ('trade', 'last'):
-        # if ticktype in ('last',):  # 'size'):
-        if typ in ('last',):  # 'size'):
+        if typ in ('last',):
 
             label = {
                 l1.ask_label.fields['level']: l1.ask_label,
@@ -629,40 +610,64 @@ def graphics_update_cycle(
                 )
 
                 # TODO: on trades should we be knocking down
-                # the relevant L1 queue?
+                # the relevant L1 queue manually ourselves?
                 # label.size -= size
 
+        # NOTE: right now we always update the y-axis labels
+        # despite the last datum not being in view. Ideally
+        # we have a guard for this when we detect that the range
+        # of those values is not in view and then we disable these
+        # blocks.
         elif (
             typ in _tick_groups['asks']
-            # TODO: instead we could check if the price is in the
-            # y-view-range?
-            and liv
         ):
             l1.ask_label.update_fields({'level': price, 'size': size})
 
         elif (
             typ in _tick_groups['bids']
-            # TODO: instead we could check if the price is in the
-            # y-view-range?
-            and liv
         ):
             l1.bid_label.update_fields({'level': price, 'size': size})
 
-    # check for y-range re-size
-    if (mx > varz['last_mx']) or (mn < varz['last_mn']):
+    # check for y-autorange re-size
+    lmx = varz['last_mx']
+    lmn = varz['last_mn']
+    mx_diff = mx - lmx
+    mn_diff = mn - lmn
 
-        # fast chart resize case
+    if (
+        mx_diff
+        or mn_diff
+    ):
         if (
+            abs(mx_diff) > .25 * lmx
+            or
+            abs(mn_diff) > .25 * lmn
+        ):
+            log.error(
+                f'WTF MN/MX IS WAY OFF:\n'
+                f'lmn: {lmn}\n'
+                f'mn: {mn}\n'
+                f'lmx: {lmx}\n'
+                f'mx: {mx}\n'
+                f'mx_diff: {mx_diff}\n'
+                f'mn_diff: {mn_diff}\n'
+            )
+        # fast chart resize case
+        elif (
             liv
             and not chart._static_yrange == 'axis'
         ):
-            # main_vb = chart.view
             main_vb = chart._vizs[fqsn].plot.vb
             if (
                 main_vb._ic is None
                 or not main_vb._ic.is_set()
             ):
-                # print(f'updating range due to mxmn')
+                yr = (mn, mx)
+                # print(
+                #     f'updating y-range due to mxmn\n'
+                #     f'{fqsn}: {yr}'
+                # )
+
                 main_vb._set_yrange(
                     # TODO: we should probably scale
                     # the view margin based on the size
@@ -670,11 +675,10 @@ def graphics_update_cycle(
                     # slap in orders outside the current
                     # L1 (only) book range.
                     # range_margin=0.1,
-                    # yrange=(mn, mx),
+                    yrange=yr
                 )
 
         # check if slow chart needs a resize
-
         hist_viz = hist_chart._vizs[fqsn]
         (
             _,
@@ -691,7 +695,7 @@ def graphics_update_cycle(
         if hist_liv:
             hist_viz.plot.vb._set_yrange()
 
-    # XXX: update this every draw cycle to make L1-always-in-view work.
+    # XXX: update this every draw cycle to make
     varz['last_mx'], varz['last_mn'] = mx, mn
 
     # run synchronous update on all linked viz
@@ -767,10 +771,8 @@ def graphics_update_cycle(
             if (
                 mx_vlm_in_view != varz['last_mx_vlm']
             ):
-                yrange = (0, mx_vlm_in_view * 1.375)
-                vlm_chart.view._set_yrange(
-                    yrange=yrange,
-                )
+                vlm_yr = (0, mx_vlm_in_view * 1.375)
+                vlm_chart.view._set_yrange(yrange=vlm_yr)
                 profiler('`vlm_chart.view._set_yrange()`')
                 # print(f'mx vlm: {last_mx_vlm} -> {mx_vlm_in_view}')
                 varz['last_mx_vlm'] = mx_vlm_in_view
@@ -1047,6 +1049,10 @@ async def display_symbol_data(
             group_key=True
         )
 
+    # (TODO: make this not so shit XD)
+    # close group status once a symbol feed fully loads to view.
+    # sbar._status_groups[loading_sym_key][1]()
+
     # TODO: ctl over update loop's maximum frequency.
     # - load this from a config.toml!
     # - allow dyanmic configuration from chart UI?
@@ -1129,6 +1135,8 @@ async def display_symbol_data(
         # and sub-charts for FSPs
         fqsn, flume = fitems[0]
 
+        # TODO NOTE: THIS CONTROLS WHAT SYMBOL IS USED FOR ORDER MODE
+        # SUBMISSIONS, we need to make this switch based on selection.
         rt_linked._symbol = flume.symbol
         hist_linked._symbol = flume.symbol
 
@@ -1219,9 +1227,6 @@ async def display_symbol_data(
                 # get a new color from the palette
                 bg_chart_color, bg_last_bar_color = next(palette)
 
-                rt_linked._symbol = flume.symbol
-                hist_linked._symbol = flume.symbol
-
                 ohlcv: ShmArray = flume.rt_shm
                 hist_ohlcv: ShmArray = flume.hist_shm
 
@@ -1232,9 +1237,14 @@ async def display_symbol_data(
                     name=fqsn,
                     axis_title=fqsn,
                 )
-                hist_pi.hideAxis('left')
+                # only show a singleton bottom-bottom axis by default.
                 hist_pi.hideAxis('bottom')
 
+                # XXX: TODO: THIS WILL CAUSE A GAP ON OVERLAYS,
+                # i think it needs to be "removed" instead when there
+                # are none?
+                hist_pi.hideAxis('left')
+
                 viz = hist_chart.draw_curve(
                     fqsn,
                     hist_ohlcv,
@@ -1311,36 +1321,14 @@ async def display_symbol_data(
 
             # XXX: if we wanted it at the bottom?
             # rt_linked.splitter.addWidget(hist_linked)
-            rt_linked.focus()
 
-            godwidget.resize_all()
-
-            # add all additional symbols as overlays
+            # greedily do a view range default and pane resizing
+            # on startup  before loading the order-mode machinery.
             for fqsn, flume in feed.flumes.items():
 
                 # size view to data prior to order mode init
                 rt_chart.default_view()
                 rt_linked.graphics_cycle()
-                await trio.sleep(0)
-
-                hist_chart.default_view(
-                    bars_from_y=int(len(hist_ohlcv.array)),  # size to data
-                    y_offset=6116*2,  # push it a little away from the y-axis
-                )
-                hist_linked.graphics_cycle()
-                await trio.sleep(0)
-
-                godwidget.resize_all()
-
-                # trigger another view reset if no sub-chart
-                hist_chart.default_view()
-                rt_chart.default_view()
-                # let qt run to render all widgets and make sure the
-                # sidepanes line up vertically.
-                await trio.sleep(0)
-
-                # dynamic resize steps
-                godwidget.resize_all()
 
                 # TODO: look into this because not sure why it was
                 # commented out / we ever needed it XD
@@ -1350,21 +1338,11 @@ async def display_symbol_data(
                 # determine if auto-range adjustements should be made.
                 # rt_linked.subplots.pop('volume', None)
 
-                # TODO: make this not so shit XD
-                # close group status
-                # sbar._status_groups[loading_sym_key][1]()
-
+                hist_chart.default_view()
                 hist_linked.graphics_cycle()
-                rt_chart.default_view()
-                await trio.sleep(0)
 
-                bars_in_mem = int(len(hist_ohlcv.array))
-                hist_chart.default_view(
-                    bars_from_y=bars_in_mem,  # size to data
-                    # push it 1/16th away from the y-axis
-                    y_offset=round(bars_in_mem / 16),
-                )
                 godwidget.resize_all()
+                await trio.sleep(0)
 
             await link_views_with_region(
                 rt_chart,
@@ -1372,7 +1350,7 @@ async def display_symbol_data(
                 flume,
             )
 
-            # start graphics update loop after receiving first live quote
+            # start update loop task
             ln.start_soon(
                 graphics_update_loop,
                 ln,
@@ -1383,20 +1361,31 @@ async def display_symbol_data(
                 vlm_charts,
             )
 
+            # boot order-mode
+            order_ctl_symbol: str = fqsns[0]
             mode: OrderMode
             async with (
                 open_order_mode(
                     feed,
                     godwidget,
-                    fqsns[-1],
+                    fqsns[0],
                     order_mode_started
                 ) as mode
             ):
+
                 rt_linked.mode = mode
 
+                viz = rt_chart.get_viz(order_ctl_symbol)
+                viz.plot.setFocus()
+
+                # default view adjuments and sidepane alignment
+                # as final default UX touch.
                 rt_chart.default_view()
                 rt_chart.view.enable_auto_yrange()
+
                 hist_chart.default_view()
                 hist_chart.view.enable_auto_yrange()
 
+                godwidget.resize_all()
+
                 await trio.sleep_forever()  # let the app run.. bby
diff --git a/piker/ui/_fsp.py b/piker/ui/_fsp.py
index 5dee7b88..c91436da 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_fsp.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_fsp.py
@@ -661,6 +661,12 @@ async def open_vlm_displays(
         #     str(period_param.default)
         # )
 
+        # use slightly less light (then bracket) gray
+        # for volume from "main exchange" and a more "bluey"
+        # gray for "dark" vlm.
+        vlm_color = 'i3'
+        dark_vlm_color = 'charcoal'
+
         # built-in vlm which we plot ASAP since it's
         # usually data provided directly with OHLC history.
         shm = ohlcv
@@ -755,7 +761,7 @@ async def open_vlm_displays(
 
                 {  # fsp engine conf
                     'func_name': 'dolla_vlm',
-                    'zero_on_step': True,
+                    'zero_on_step': False,
                     'params': {
                         'price_func': {
                             'default_value': 'chl3',
@@ -769,7 +775,7 @@ async def open_vlm_displays(
             # FIXME: we should error on starting the same fsp right
             # since it might collide with existing shm.. or wait we
             # had this before??
-            # dolla_vlm,
+            # dolla_vlm
 
             tasks_ready.append(started)
             # profiler(f'created shm for fsp actor: {display_name}')
@@ -786,19 +792,24 @@ async def open_vlm_displays(
             dvlm_pi = vlm_chart.overlay_plotitem(
                 'dolla_vlm',
                 index=0,  # place axis on inside (nearest to chart)
+
                 axis_title=' $vlm',
-                axis_side='right',
+                axis_side='left',
+
                 axis_kwargs={
                     'typical_max_str': ' 100.0 M ',
                     'formatter': partial(
                         humanize,
                         digits=2,
                     ),
+                    'text_color': vlm_color,
                 },
             )
 
-            dvlm_pi.hideAxis('left')
+            # TODO: should this maybe be implicit based on input args to
+            # `.overlay_plotitem()` above?
             dvlm_pi.hideAxis('bottom')
+
             # all to be overlayed curve names
             fields = [
                'dolla_vlm',
@@ -823,12 +834,6 @@ async def open_vlm_displays(
             # add custom auto range handler
             dvlm_pi.vb._maxmin = group_mxmn
 
-            # use slightly less light (then bracket) gray
-            # for volume from "main exchange" and a more "bluey"
-            # gray for "dark" vlm.
-            vlm_color = 'i3'
-            dark_vlm_color = 'charcoal'
-
             # add dvlm (step) curves to common view
             def chart_curves(
                 names: list[str],
@@ -879,7 +884,7 @@ async def open_vlm_displays(
                 flow_rates,
                 {  # fsp engine conf
                     'func_name': 'flow_rates',
-                    'zero_on_step': False,
+                    'zero_on_step': True,
                 },
                 # loglevel,
             )
@@ -913,8 +918,8 @@ async def open_vlm_displays(
                 # TODO: dynamically update period (and thus this axis?)
                 # title from user input.
                 axis_title='clears',
-
                 axis_side='left',
+
                 axis_kwargs={
                     'typical_max_str': ' 10.0 M ',
                     'formatter': partial(
diff --git a/piker/ui/_l1.py b/piker/ui/_l1.py
index 0c6e4e1a..23162c70 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_l1.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_l1.py
@@ -30,19 +30,20 @@ from ._pg_overrides import PlotItem
 
 
 class LevelLabel(YAxisLabel):
-    """Y-axis (vertically) oriented, horizontal label that sticks to
+    '''
+    Y-axis (vertically) oriented, horizontal label that sticks to
     where it's placed despite chart resizing and supports displaying
     multiple fields.
 
 
     TODO: replace the rectangle-text part with our new ``Label`` type.
 
-    """
-    _x_margin = 0
-    _y_margin = 0
+    '''
+    _x_br_offset: float = -16
+    _y_txt_h_scaling: float = 2
 
     # adjustment "further away from" anchor point
-    _x_offset = 9
+    _x_offset = 0
     _y_offset = 0
 
     # fields to be displayed in the label string
@@ -58,12 +59,12 @@ class LevelLabel(YAxisLabel):
         chart,
         parent,
 
-        color: str = 'bracket',
+        color: str = 'default_light',
 
         orient_v: str = 'bottom',
-        orient_h: str = 'left',
+        orient_h: str = 'right',
 
-        opacity: float = 0,
+        opacity: float = 1,
 
         # makes order line labels offset from their parent axis
         # such that they don't collide with the L1/L2 lines/prices
@@ -99,13 +100,15 @@ class LevelLabel(YAxisLabel):
 
         self._h_shift = {
             'left': -1.,
-            'right': 0.
+            'right': 0.,
         }[orient_h]
 
         self.fields = self._fields.copy()
         # ensure default format fields are in correct
         self.set_fmt_str(self._fmt_str, self.fields)
 
+        self.setZValue(10)
+
     @property
     def color(self):
         return self._hcolor
@@ -113,7 +116,10 @@ class LevelLabel(YAxisLabel):
     @color.setter
     def color(self, color: str) -> None:
         self._hcolor = color
-        self._pen = self.pen = pg.mkPen(hcolor(color))
+        self._pen = self.pen = pg.mkPen(
+            hcolor(color),
+            width=3,
+        )
 
     def update_on_resize(self, vr, r):
         """Tiis is a ``.sigRangeChanged()`` handler.
@@ -125,10 +131,11 @@ class LevelLabel(YAxisLabel):
         self,
         fields: dict = None,
     ) -> None:
-        """Update the label's text contents **and** position from
+        '''
+        Update the label's text contents **and** position from
         a view box coordinate datum.
 
-        """
+        '''
         self.fields.update(fields)
         level = self.fields['level']
 
@@ -175,7 +182,8 @@ class LevelLabel(YAxisLabel):
         fields: dict,
     ):
         # use space as e3 delim
-        self.label_str = self._fmt_str.format(**fields).replace(',', ' ')
+        self.label_str = self._fmt_str.format(
+            **fields).replace(',', ' ')
 
         br = self.boundingRect()
         h, w = br.height(), br.width()
@@ -188,14 +196,14 @@ class LevelLabel(YAxisLabel):
         self,
         p: QtGui.QPainter,
         rect: QtCore.QRectF
-    ) -> None:
-        p.setPen(self._pen)
 
+    ) -> None:
+
+        p.setPen(self._pen)
         rect = self.rect
 
         if self._orient_v == 'bottom':
             lp, rp = rect.topLeft(), rect.topRight()
-            # p.drawLine(rect.topLeft(), rect.topRight())
 
         elif self._orient_v == 'top':
             lp, rp = rect.bottomLeft(), rect.bottomRight()
@@ -209,6 +217,11 @@ class LevelLabel(YAxisLabel):
             ])
         )
 
+        p.fillRect(
+            self.rect,
+            self.bg_color,
+        )
+
     def highlight(self, pen) -> None:
         self._pen = pen
         self.update()
@@ -247,9 +260,10 @@ class L1Label(LevelLabel):
 
 
 class L1Labels:
-    """Level 1 bid ask labels for dynamic update on price-axis.
+    '''
+    Level 1 bid ask labels for dynamic update on price-axis.
 
-    """
+    '''
     def __init__(
         self,
         plotitem: PlotItem,
@@ -265,15 +279,17 @@ class L1Labels:
             'chart': plotitem,
             'parent': raxis,
 
-            'opacity': 1,
+            'opacity': .9,
             'font_size': font_size,
-            'fg_color': chart.pen_color,
-            'bg_color': chart.view_color,
+            'fg_color': 'default_light',
+            'bg_color': chart.view_color,  # normally 'papas_special'
         }
 
+        # TODO: add humanized source-asset
+        # info format.
         fmt_str = (
-            ' {size:.{size_digits}f} x '
-            '{level:,.{level_digits}f} '
+            ' {size:.{size_digits}f} u'
+            # '{level:,.{level_digits}f} '
         )
         fields = {
             'level': 0,
@@ -286,12 +302,17 @@ class L1Labels:
             orient_v='bottom',
             **kwargs,
         )
-        bid.set_fmt_str(fmt_str=fmt_str, fields=fields)
+        bid.set_fmt_str(
+            fmt_str='\n' + fmt_str,
+            fields=fields,
+        )
         bid.show()
 
         ask = self.ask_label = L1Label(
             orient_v='top',
             **kwargs,
         )
-        ask.set_fmt_str(fmt_str=fmt_str, fields=fields)
+        ask.set_fmt_str(
+            fmt_str=fmt_str,
+            fields=fields)
         ask.show()
diff --git a/piker/ui/_label.py b/piker/ui/_label.py
index 699a81ae..247b4cc0 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_label.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_label.py
@@ -233,6 +233,36 @@ class Label:
     def delete(self) -> None:
         self.vb.scene().removeItem(self.txt)
 
+    # NOTE: pulled out from ``ChartPlotWidget`` from way way old code.
+    # def _label_h(self, yhigh: float, ylow: float) -> float:
+    #     # compute contents label "height" in view terms
+    #     # to avoid having data "contents" overlap with them
+    #     if self._labels:
+    #         label = self._labels[self.name][0]
+
+    #         rect = label.itemRect()
+    #         tl, br = rect.topLeft(), rect.bottomRight()
+    #         vb = self.plotItem.vb
+
+    #         try:
+    #             # on startup labels might not yet be rendered
+    #             top, bottom = (vb.mapToView(tl).y(), vb.mapToView(br).y())
+
+    #             # XXX: magic hack, how do we compute exactly?
+    #             label_h = (top - bottom) * 0.42
+
+    #         except np.linalg.LinAlgError:
+    #             label_h = 0
+    #     else:
+    #         label_h = 0
+
+    #     # print(f'label height {self.name}: {label_h}')
+
+    #     if label_h > yhigh - ylow:
+    #         label_h = 0
+
+    #     print(f"bounds (ylow, yhigh): {(ylow, yhigh)}")
+
 
 class FormatLabel(QLabel):
     '''
diff --git a/piker/ui/_overlay.py b/piker/ui/_overlay.py
index ac15a9dc..0fb747e7 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_overlay.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_overlay.py
@@ -361,8 +361,8 @@ class PlotItemOverlay:
                 if not sub_handlers:
 
                     src_handler = getattr(
-                        root.vb,
-                        ev_name,
+                       root.vb,
+                       ev_name,
                     )
 
                     def broadcast(
diff --git a/piker/ui/order_mode.py b/piker/ui/order_mode.py
index 4ac2f457..e339739e 100644
--- a/piker/ui/order_mode.py
+++ b/piker/ui/order_mode.py
@@ -349,7 +349,7 @@ class OrderMode:
 
         '''
         if not order:
-            staged = self._staged_order
+            staged: Order = self._staged_order
             # apply order fields for ems
             oid = str(uuid.uuid4())
             order = staged.copy()
@@ -703,7 +703,6 @@ async def open_order_mode(
 
         # symbol id
         symbol = chart.linked.symbol
-        symkey = symbol.front_fqsn()
 
         # map of per-provider account keys to position tracker instances
         trackers: dict[str, PositionTracker] = {}
@@ -864,7 +863,7 @@ async def open_order_mode(
         # the expected symbol key in its positions msg.
         for (broker, acctid), msgs in position_msgs.items():
             for msg in msgs:
-                log.info(f'Loading pp for {symkey}:\n{pformat(msg)}')
+                log.info(f'Loading pp for {acctid}@{broker}:\n{pformat(msg)}')
                 await process_trade_msg(
                     mode,
                     book,