Correction: I did check the lock ot vertical metrics and only thought it was moving. In actuality the alignment zones (not currently set properly) were visible and it was that I mistakenly moved. Still… it seems as though the auto select button doesn't work properly.

Have you tried using the expanded edit layers palette?

>Is there a fix for this or am I dealing with a bug in the program?

You are dealing with unusually executed/maintained layers architecture.
The Outline layer does not behave correctly, not e.g. responding to a user's desire for it's disappearance.
The Background layer editing is controlled from a menu pick in the tools window.
The Glyph metrics are not easily locked and unlocked, causing sometimes disaster-like unwanted movement of the origin line, something I've have never ever wanted to move, But in order to have the right side bearing free to move at any time...
And this all happens in an environment where the cmmd key is so over-dedicated, one seldom has the proper tool at the end of the cursor without extra effort, and without the right cursor the arrow keys and mouse do not react properly when working on any layer.

Cheers!

Just thought to go back and see if any answers appeared. Thanks David and James.

I ended up using a combination of the expanded layers menu and above menus. It was helpful in some ways because I had never made so that it required a key command to select the background before. That makes my work much easier not having to double click it back off all the time. I'm so used to using a wacom tablet which is way over-sensitive for FontLab.

Stephen