diff --git a/release/scripts/modules/bpy_types.py b/release/scripts/modules/bpy_types.py
index 2a757f83208..a535673051c 100644
--- a/release/scripts/modules/bpy_types.py
+++ b/release/scripts/modules/bpy_types.py
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@
 # <pep8 compliant>
 
 from _bpy import types as bpy_types
+from Mathutils import Vector
 
 StructRNA = bpy_types.Struct.__bases__[0]
 # StructRNA = bpy_types.Struct
@@ -88,6 +89,24 @@ class _GenericBone:
             i += 1
 
         return 0
+    
+    @property
+    def x_axis(self):
+        """ Vector pointing down the x-axis of the bone.
+        """
+        return self.matrix.rotationPart() * Vector(1,0,0)
+    
+    @property
+    def y_axis(self):
+        """ Vector pointing down the x-axis of the bone.
+        """
+        return self.matrix.rotationPart() * Vector(0,1,0)
+    
+    @property
+    def z_axis(self):
+        """ Vector pointing down the x-axis of the bone.
+        """
+        return self.matrix.rotationPart() * Vector(0,0,1)
 
     @property
     def basename(self):
diff --git a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/__init__.py b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/__init__.py
index 6857d7e8f6d..262508c9a84 100644
--- a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/__init__.py
+++ b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/__init__.py
@@ -28,8 +28,14 @@ LAYER_TYPES = "main", "extra", "ik", "fk"
 
 ORG_LAYERS = [n==31 for n in range(0,32)]
 MCH_LAYERS = [n==30 for n in range(0,32)]
-DEF_LAYERS = [n==29 for n in range(0,32)] 
+DEF_LAYERS = [n==29 for n in range(0,32)]
+ROOT_LAYERS = [n==28 for n in range(0,32)] 
 
+ORG_PREFIX = "ORG-"
+MCH_PREFIX = "MCH-"
+DEF_PREFIX = "DEF-"
+
+WGT_PREFIX = "WGT-"
 
 
 
@@ -79,11 +85,15 @@ def get_bone_type_options(pbone, type_name):
     options = {}
     bone_name = pbone.name
     for key, value in pbone.items():
-        key_pair = key.split(".")
+        key_pair = key.rsplit(".")
+        # get all bone properties
+        """"
         if key_pair[0] == type_name:
             if len(key_pair) != 2:
                 raise RigifyError("option error for bone '%s', property name was not a pair '%s'" % (bone_name, key_pair))
             options[key_pair[1]] = value
+        """
+        options[key] = value
 
     return options
 
@@ -174,18 +184,22 @@ def generate_rig(context, obj_orig, prefix="ORG-", META_DEF=True):
 
     arm = obj.data
 
-    # original name mapping
+    # prepend the ORG prefix to the bones, and create the base_names mapping
     base_names = {}
-
-    # add all new parentless children to this bone
-    root_bone = None
-
     bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='EDIT')
     for bone in arm.edit_bones:
         bone_name = bone.name
-        if obj.pose.bones[bone_name].get("type", "") != "root":
-            bone.name = prefix + bone_name
-        base_names[bone.name] = bone_name # new -> old mapping
+        bone.name = ORG_PREFIX + bone_name
+        base_names[bone.name] = bone_name
+
+    # create root_bone
+    bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='EDIT')
+    edit_bone = obj.data.edit_bones.new("root")
+    root_bone = edit_bone.name
+    edit_bone.head = (0.0, 0.0, 0.0)
+    edit_bone.tail = (0.0, 1.0, 0.0)
+    edit_bone.roll = 0.0
+    edit_bone.layer = ROOT_LAYERS
     bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='OBJECT')
 
     # key: bone name
@@ -218,12 +232,6 @@ def generate_rig(context, obj_orig, prefix="ORG-", META_DEF=True):
         else:
             bone_type_list = []
 
-        if bone_type_list == ["root"]: # special case!
-            if root_bone:
-                raise RigifyError("cant have more then 1 root bone, found '%s' and '%s' to have type==root" % (root_bone, bone_name))
-            root_bone = bone_name
-            bone_type_list[:] = []
-
         for bone_type in bone_type_list:
             type_name, submod, type_func = submodule_func_from_type(bone_type)
             reload(submod)
@@ -292,9 +300,11 @@ def generate_rig(context, obj_orig, prefix="ORG-", META_DEF=True):
     # need a reverse lookup on bone_genesis so as to know immediately
     # where a bone comes from
     bone_genesis_reverse = {}
+    '''
     for bone_name, bone_children in bone_genesis.items():
         for bone_child_name in bone_children:
             bone_genesis_reverse[bone_child_name] = bone_name
+    '''
 
 
     if root_bone:
@@ -304,6 +314,9 @@ def generate_rig(context, obj_orig, prefix="ORG-", META_DEF=True):
         root_ebone = arm.edit_bones[root_bone]
         for ebone in arm.edit_bones:
             bone_name = ebone.name
+            if ebone.parent is None:
+                ebone.parent = root_ebone
+            '''
             if ebone.parent is None and bone_name not in base_names:
                 # check for override
                 bone_creator = bone_genesis_reverse[bone_name]
@@ -317,6 +330,7 @@ def generate_rig(context, obj_orig, prefix="ORG-", META_DEF=True):
 
                 ebone.connected = False
                 ebone.parent = root_ebone_tmp
+            '''
 
         bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='OBJECT')
 
@@ -348,18 +362,22 @@ def generate_rig(context, obj_orig, prefix="ORG-", META_DEF=True):
 
     for bone_name, bone in arm.bones.items():
         bone.deform = False  # Non DEF bones shouldn't deform
-        if bone_name.startswith(prefix):
+        if bone_name.startswith(ORG_PREFIX):
             bone.layer = ORG_LAYERS
-        elif bone_name.startswith("MCH-"): # XXX fixme
+        elif bone_name.startswith(MCH_PREFIX): # XXX fixme
             bone.layer = MCH_LAYERS
-        elif bone_name.startswith("DEF-"): # XXX fixme
+        elif bone_name.startswith(DEF_PREFIX): # XXX fixme
             bone.layer = DEF_LAYERS
             bone.deform = True
+        else:
+            # Assign bone appearance if there is a widget for it
+            obj.pose.bones[bone_name].custom_shape = context.scene.objects.get(WGT_PREFIX+bone_name)
 
         layer_tot[:] = [max(lay) for lay in zip(layer_tot, bone.layer)]
 
     # Only for demo'ing
-    arm.layer = layer_tot
+    layer_show = [a and not (b or c or d) for a,b,c,d in zip(layer_tot, ORG_LAYERS, MCH_LAYERS, DEF_LAYERS)]
+    arm.layer = layer_show
 
 
     # obj.restrict_view = True
diff --git a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/arm_biped_generic.py b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/arm_biped_generic.py
index 0974b1b8010..52e6c3e3355 100644
--- a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/arm_biped_generic.py
+++ b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/arm_biped_generic.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 
 import bpy
 from math import radians
-from rigify import RigifyError, get_layer_dict
+from rigify import RigifyError, get_layer_dict, ORG_PREFIX
 from rigify_utils import bone_class_instance, copy_bone_simple, add_pole_target_bone, add_stretch_to, blend_bone_list, get_side_name, get_base_name
 from rna_prop_ui import rna_idprop_ui_prop_get
 from Mathutils import Vector
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ def ik(obj, definitions, base_names, options):
 
     if elbow_parent_name:
         try:
-            elbow_parent_e = arm.edit_bones[elbow_parent_name]
+            elbow_parent_e = arm.edit_bones[ORG_PREFIX + elbow_parent_name]
         except:
             # TODO, old/new parent mapping
             raise RigifyError("parent bone from property 'arm_biped_generic.elbow_parent' not found '%s'" % elbow_parent_name)
@@ -165,13 +165,14 @@ def ik(obj, definitions, base_names, options):
     con.pole_angle = -90.0 # XXX, RAD2DEG
 
     # last step setup layers
-    layers = get_layer_dict(options)
-    lay = layers["ik"]
-    for attr in ik_chain.attr_names:
-        getattr(ik_chain, attr + "_b").layer = lay
-    for attr in ik.attr_names:
-        getattr(ik, attr + "_b").layer = lay
-
+    if "ik_layer" in options:
+        layer = [n==options["ik_layer"] for n in range(0,32)]
+    else:
+        layer = list(mt.arm_b.layer)
+    ik_chain.hand_b.layer = layer
+    ik.hand_vis_b.layer   = layer
+    ik.pole_b.layer       = layer
+    ik.pole_vis_b.layer   = layer
 
     bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='EDIT')
     # don't blend the shoulder
@@ -200,9 +201,9 @@ def fk(obj, definitions, base_names, options):
     ex.socket_e.parent = mt.shoulder_e
     ex.socket_e.length *= 0.5
 
-    # insert the 'DLT-hand', between the forearm and the hand
+    # insert the 'MCH-delta_hand', between the forearm and the hand
     # copies forarm rotation
-    ex.hand_delta_e = copy_bone_simple(arm, fk_chain.hand, "DLT-%s" % base_names[mt.hand], parent=True)
+    ex.hand_delta_e = copy_bone_simple(arm, fk_chain.hand, "MCH-delta_%s" % base_names[mt.hand], parent=True)
     ex.hand_delta = ex.hand_delta_e.name
     ex.hand_delta_e.length *= 0.5
     ex.hand_delta_e.connected = False
@@ -267,17 +268,14 @@ def fk(obj, definitions, base_names, options):
 
     hinge_setup()
 
-
     # last step setup layers
-    layers = get_layer_dict(options)
-    lay = layers["fk"]
-    for attr in fk_chain.attr_names:
-        getattr(fk_chain, attr + "_b").layer = lay
-
-    lay = layers["extra"]
-    for attr in ex.attr_names:
-        getattr(ex, attr + "_b").layer = lay
-
+    if "fk_layer" in options:
+        layer = [n==options["fk_layer"] for n in range(0,32)]
+    else:
+        layer = list(mt.arm_b.layer)
+    fk_chain.arm_b.layer     = layer
+    fk_chain.forearm_b.layer = layer
+    fk_chain.hand_b.layer    = layer
 
     bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='EDIT')
     return None, fk_chain.arm, fk_chain.forearm, fk_chain.hand
@@ -378,4 +376,3 @@ def main(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
 
     bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='OBJECT')
     blend_bone_list(obj, bone_definition, bones_fk, bones_ik, target_bone=bones_ik[3], target_prop="ik", blend_default=0.0)
-    
diff --git a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/copy.py b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/copy.py
index a84487e8e21..c0192af7d18 100644
--- a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/copy.py
+++ b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/copy.py
@@ -69,10 +69,12 @@ def deform(obj, definitions, base_names, options):
     return (bone_name,)
 
 
-def main(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
+def control(obj, definitions, base_names, options):
+    bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='EDIT')
+    
     arm = obj.data
     mt = bone_class_instance(obj, METARIG_NAMES)
-    mt.cpy = bone_definition[0]
+    mt.cpy = definitions[0]
     mt.update()
     cp = bone_class_instance(obj, ["cpy"])
     cp.cpy_e = copy_bone_simple(arm, mt.cpy, base_names[mt.cpy], parent=True)
@@ -96,12 +98,17 @@ def main(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
     cp.cpy_p.lock_rotation_w = mt.cpy_p.lock_rotation_w
     cp.cpy_p.lock_scale = tuple(mt.cpy_p.lock_scale)
     
-    # Create deform bone
-    deform_bone = deform(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options)[0]
-
-    # setup layers last
-    layers = get_layer_dict(options)
-    cp.cpy_b.layer = layers["main"]
-
+    # Layers
+    cp.cpy_b.layer = list(mt.cpy_b.layer)
+    
     return (mt.cpy,)
 
+
+def main(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
+    # Create control bone
+    cpy = control(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options)[0]
+    # Create deform bone
+    deform(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options)
+
+    return (cpy,)
+
diff --git a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/finger_curl.py b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/finger_curl.py
index 4c00f134e19..085eba180fd 100644
--- a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/finger_curl.py
+++ b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/finger_curl.py
@@ -209,6 +209,8 @@ def main(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
 
     orig_pbone = obj.pose.bones[bone_definition[0]]
     control_pbone = obj.pose.bones[control_bone_name]
+    control_bbone = arm.bones[control_bone_name]
+    control_pbone.rotation_mode = obj.pose.bones[bone_definition[0]].rotation_mode
 
 
     # only allow Y scale
@@ -279,13 +281,15 @@ def main(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
 
 
     # last step setup layers
-    layers = get_layer_dict(options)
-    lay = layers["extra"]
+    if "ex_layer" in options:
+        layer = [n==options["ex_layer"] for n in range(0,32)]
+    else:
+        layer = list(arm.bones[bone_definition[0]].layer)
     for child_bone_name, driver_bone_name in driver_bone_pairs:
-        arm.bones[driver_bone_name].layer = lay
-
-    lay = layers["main"]
-    arm.bones[control_bone_name].layer = lay
+        arm.bones[driver_bone_name].layer = layer
+    
+    layer = list(arm.bones[bone_definition[0]].layer)
+    control_bbone.layer = layer
 
     # no blending the result of this
     return None
diff --git a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/leg_biped_generic.py b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/leg_biped_generic.py
index 2bf53ddc1ce..d0fbba83a0c 100644
--- a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/leg_biped_generic.py
+++ b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/leg_biped_generic.py
@@ -150,16 +150,15 @@ def ik(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
 
     # ik foot: no parents
     base_foot_name = get_base_name(base_names[mt_chain.foot])
-    ik.foot_e = copy_bone_simple(arm, mt_chain.foot, base_foot_name + "_ik" + get_side_name(base_names[mt_chain.foot]))
+    ik.foot_e = copy_bone_simple(arm, mt.heel, base_foot_name + "_ik" + get_side_name(base_names[mt_chain.foot]))
     ik.foot = ik.foot_e.name
-    ik.foot_e.tail.z = ik.foot_e.head.z
-    ik.foot_e.roll = 0.0
+    ik.foot_e.translate(mt_chain.foot_e.head - ik.foot_e.head)
     ik.foot_e.local_location = False
 
     # foot roll: heel pointing backwards, half length
     ik.foot_roll_e = copy_bone_simple(arm, mt.heel, base_foot_name + "_roll" + get_side_name(base_names[mt_chain.foot]))
     ik.foot_roll = ik.foot_roll_e.name
-    ik.foot_roll_e.tail = ik.foot_roll_e.head + ik.foot_roll_e.vector / 2.0
+    ik.foot_roll_e.tail = ik.foot_roll_e.head - ik.foot_roll_e.vector / 2.0
     ik.foot_roll_e.parent = ik.foot_e # heel is disconnected
 
     # heel pointing forwards to the toe base, parent of the following 2 bones
@@ -189,7 +188,7 @@ def ik(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
 
 
     # knee target is the heel moved up and forward on its local axis
-    ik.knee_target_e = copy_bone_simple(arm, mt.heel, "knee_target")
+    ik.knee_target_e = copy_bone_simple(arm, mt.heel, "knee_target" + get_side_name(mt.heel))
     ik.knee_target = ik.knee_target_e.name
     offset = ik.knee_target_e.tail - ik.knee_target_e.head
     offset.z = 0
@@ -262,12 +261,14 @@ def ik(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
 
 
     # last step setup layers
-    layers = get_layer_dict(options)
-    lay = layers["ik"]
+    if "ik_layer" in options:
+        layer = [n==options["ik_layer"] for n in range(0,32)]
+    else:
+        layer = list(mt_chain.thigh_b.layer)
     for attr in ik_chain.attr_names:
-        getattr(ik_chain, attr + "_b").layer = lay
+        getattr(ik_chain, attr + "_b").layer = layer
     for attr in ik.attr_names:
-        getattr(ik, attr + "_b").layer = lay
+        getattr(ik, attr + "_b").layer = layer
 
     bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='EDIT')
 
@@ -300,6 +301,17 @@ def fk(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
     ex.thigh_hinge = ex.thigh_hinge_e.name
 
     fk_chain = mt_chain.copy(base_names=base_names) # fk has no prefix!
+    fk_chain.foot_e.name = "MCH-" + fk_chain.foot
+    fk_chain.foot = fk_chain.foot_e.name
+    
+    # Set up fk foot control
+    foot_e = copy_bone_simple(arm, mt.heel, base_names[mt_chain.foot])
+    foot = foot_e.name
+    foot_e.translate(mt_chain.foot_e.head - foot_e.head)
+    foot_e.parent = fk_chain.shin_e
+    foot_e.connected = fk_chain.foot_e.connected
+    fk_chain.foot_e.connected = False
+    fk_chain.foot_e.parent = foot_e
 
     fk_chain.thigh_e.connected = False
     fk_chain.thigh_e.parent = ex.thigh_hinge_e
@@ -309,11 +321,12 @@ def fk(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
     ex.update()
     mt_chain.update()
     fk_chain.update()
+    foot_p = obj.pose.bones[foot]
 
     # Set rotation modes and axis locks
     fk_chain.shin_p.rotation_mode = 'XYZ'
     fk_chain.shin_p.lock_rotation = False, True, True
-    fk_chain.foot_p.rotation_mode = 'YXZ'
+    foot_p.rotation_mode = 'YXZ'
     fk_chain.toe_p.rotation_mode = 'YXZ'
     fk_chain.toe_p.lock_rotation = False, True, True
 
@@ -350,14 +363,15 @@ def fk(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
 
 
     # last step setup layers
-    layers = get_layer_dict(options)
-    lay = layers["fk"]
+    if "fk_layer" in options:
+        layer = [n==options["fk_layer"] for n in range(0,32)]
+    else:
+        layer = list(mt_chain.thigh_b.layer)
     for attr in fk_chain.attr_names:
-        getattr(fk_chain, attr + "_b").layer = lay
-
-    lay = layers["extra"]
+        getattr(fk_chain, attr + "_b").layer = layer
     for attr in ex.attr_names:
-        getattr(ex, attr + "_b").layer = lay
+        getattr(ex, attr + "_b").layer = layer
+    arm.bones[foot].layer = layer
 
 
     bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='EDIT')
diff --git a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/leg_quadruped_generic.py b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/leg_quadruped_generic.py
index 36481d91676..99a09955572 100644
--- a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/leg_quadruped_generic.py
+++ b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/leg_quadruped_generic.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 
 import bpy
 from rigify import RigifyError
-from rigify_utils import bone_class_instance, copy_bone_simple, add_pole_target_bone, get_base_name, get_side_name
+from rigify_utils import bone_class_instance, copy_bone_simple, add_pole_target_bone, get_side_name, get_base_name
 from Mathutils import Vector
 
 METARIG_NAMES = "hips", "thigh", "shin", "foot", "toe"
@@ -105,6 +105,7 @@ def metarig_definition(obj, orig_bone_name):
 
 def ik(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
     arm = obj.data
+    bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='EDIT')
 
     # setup the existing bones, use names from METARIG_NAMES
     mt = bone_class_instance(obj, ["hips"])
@@ -128,7 +129,7 @@ def ik(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
     ik_chain.foot_e.align_orientation(mt_chain.toe_e)
 
     # children of ik_foot
-    ik = bone_class_instance(obj, ["foot", "foot_roll", "foot_roll_01", "foot_roll_02", "knee_target", "foot_target"])
+    ik = bone_class_instance(obj, ["foot_roll", "foot_roll_01", "foot_roll_02", "knee_target", "foot_target"])
 
     ik.knee_target = add_pole_target_bone(obj, mt_chain.shin, "knee_target" + get_side_name(base_names[mt_chain.foot])) #XXX - pick a better name
     ik.update()
@@ -153,7 +154,7 @@ def ik(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
     ik.foot_roll_01_e.roll = ik.foot_roll_e.roll
 
     # ik_target, child of MCH-foot
-    ik.foot_target_e = copy_bone_simple(arm, mt_chain.foot, base_names[mt_chain.foot] + "_ik_target")
+    ik.foot_target_e = copy_bone_simple(arm, mt_chain.foot, "MCH-" + base_names[mt_chain.foot] + "_ik_target")
     ik.foot_target = ik.foot_target_e.name
     ik.foot_target_e.parent = ik.foot_roll_01_e
     ik.foot_target_e.align_orientation(ik_chain.foot_e)
@@ -213,8 +214,20 @@ def ik(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
     con.pole_target = obj
     con.pole_subtarget = ik.knee_target
 
+    ik.update()
+    ik_chain.update()
+
+    # Set layers of the bones.
+    if "ik_layer" in options:
+        layer = [n==options["ik_layer"] for n in range(0,32)]
+    else:
+        layer = list(mt_chain.thigh_b.layer)
+    for attr in ik_chain.attr_names:
+        obj.data.bones[getattr(ik_chain, attr)].layer = layer
+    for attr in ik.attr_names:
+        obj.data.bones[getattr(ik, attr)].layer = layer
+    
 
-    bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='EDIT')
 
     return None, ik_chain.thigh, ik_chain.shin, ik_chain.foot, ik_chain.toe
 
diff --git a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/neck_flex.py b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/neck_flex.py
index a56c7dcb4e3..f9b7a9ae99d 100644
--- a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/neck_flex.py
+++ b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/neck_flex.py
@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ def main(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
 
 
     # Copy the head bone and offset
-    ex.head_e = copy_bone_simple(arm, mt.head, "MCH_%s" % base_names[mt.head], parent=True)
+    ex.head_e = copy_bone_simple(arm, mt.head, "MCH-%s" % base_names[mt.head], parent=True)
     ex.head_e.connected = False
     ex.head = ex.head_e.name
     # offset
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ def main(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
     ex.head_e.tail.y += head_length / 2.0
 
     # Yes, use the body bone but call it a head hinge
-    ex.head_hinge_e = copy_bone_simple(arm, mt.body, "MCH_%s_hinge" % base_names[mt.head], parent=False)
+    ex.head_hinge_e = copy_bone_simple(arm, mt.body, "MCH-%s_hinge" % base_names[mt.head], parent=False)
     ex.head_hinge_e.connected = False
     ex.head_hinge = ex.head_hinge_e.name
     ex.head_hinge_e.head.y += head_length / 4.0
@@ -320,16 +320,27 @@ def main(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
         con = orig_neck_p.constraints.new('COPY_ROTATION')
         con.target = obj
         con.subtarget = neck_p.name
+    
+    
+    # Set the head control's custom shape to use the last
+    # org neck bone for its transform
+    ex.head_ctrl_p.custom_shape_transform = obj.pose.bones[bone_definition[len(bone_definition)-1]]
 
 
     # last step setup layers
-    layers = get_layer_dict(options)
-    lay = layers["extra"]
+    if "ex_layer" in options:
+        layer = [n==options["ex_layer"] for n in range(0,32)]
+    else:
+        layer = list(arm.bones[bone_definition[1]].layer)
     for attr in ex_chain.attr_names:
-        getattr(ex_chain, attr + "_b").layer = lay
+        getattr(ex_chain, attr + "_b").layer = layer
     for attr in ex.attr_names:
-        getattr(ex, attr + "_b").layer = lay
+        getattr(ex, attr + "_b").layer = layer
+    
+    layer = list(arm.bones[bone_definition[1]].layer)
+    ex.head_ctrl_b.layer = layer
 
 
     # no blending the result of this
     return None
+    
diff --git a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/palm_curl.py b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/palm_curl.py
index 548c311f823..9e60bc9dc22 100644
--- a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/palm_curl.py
+++ b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/palm_curl.py
@@ -261,8 +261,7 @@ def main(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
 
 
     # last step setup layers
-    layers = get_layer_dict(options)
-    arm.bones[control_name].layer = layers["extra"]
+    arm.bones[control_name].layer = list(arm.bones[bone_definition[1]].layer)
 
 
     # no blending the result of this
diff --git a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/spine_pivot_flex.py b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/spine_pivot_flex.py
index c6a5fa67390..6d01e0263eb 100644
--- a/release/scripts/modules/rigify/spine_pivot_flex.py
+++ b/release/scripts/modules/rigify/spine_pivot_flex.py
@@ -520,21 +520,31 @@ def main(obj, bone_definition, base_names, options):
         mod.poly_order = 1
         mod.coefficients[0] = - (i - 1)
         mod.coefficients[1] = spine_chain_len
+    
+    
+    # Set pelvis and ribcage controls to use the first and last bone in the
+    # spine respectively for their custom shape transform
+    ex.ribcage_copy_p.custom_shape_transform = obj.pose.bones[bone_definition[len(bone_definition)-1]]
+    ex.pelvis_copy_p.custom_shape_transform = obj.pose.bones[bone_definition[2]]
 
 
     # last step setup layers
-    layers = get_layer_dict(options)
-    lay = layers["extra"]
+    if "ex_layer" in options:
+        layer = [n==options["ex_layer"] for n in range(0,32)]
+    else:
+        layer = list(arm.bones[bone_definition[1]].layer)
     for attr in ex.attr_names:
-        getattr(ex, attr + "_b").layer = lay
+        getattr(ex, attr + "_b").layer = layer
     for attr in ex_chain.attr_names:
-        getattr(ex_chain, attr + "_b").layer = lay
-
-    lay = layers["main"]
+        getattr(ex_chain, attr + "_b").layer = layer
     for attr in df.attr_names:
-        getattr(df, attr + "_b").layer = lay
+        getattr(df, attr + "_b").layer = layer
     for attr in rv_chain.attr_names:
-        getattr(rv_chain, attr + "_b").layer = lay
+        getattr(rv_chain, attr + "_b").layer = layer
+        
+    layer = list(arm.bones[bone_definition[1]].layer)
+    arm.bones[ex.pelvis_copy].layer = layer
+    arm.bones[ex.ribcage_copy].layer = layer
 
     # no support for blending chains
     return None
diff --git a/release/scripts/modules/rigify_utils.py b/release/scripts/modules/rigify_utils.py
index b453ef77d4f..2a1c92534a0 100644
--- a/release/scripts/modules/rigify_utils.py
+++ b/release/scripts/modules/rigify_utils.py
@@ -87,6 +87,7 @@ def copy_bone_simple(arm, from_bone, name, parent=False):
     ebone_new.head = ebone.head
     ebone_new.tail = ebone.tail
     ebone_new.roll = ebone.roll
+    ebone_new.layer = list(ebone.layer)
     return ebone_new