First you need to understand VST HOST. Here you can set first sounds that is open with VST HOST. That one is everytime there as first sound.

I'm using old .wine So I set all this stuff long time. Now I'm updating system only when I need some new VST.

Program change is working well. Only some VST are not supporting program change. For this you can change them with VST HOST.

New version can have some issues, but with old .wine you can play a lot of VSTs. If you have troubles you can ask DOM for it.