I used UseStableFocus(), yes - but it did not help (perhaps because i do clear()?).
In "LED Time & Weather" Settings you do what i am trying to - say in "Information options" buttons flip between enable/disable and focus is retained - what kind of magic is that?
PS. <censor> me, toggling scr.AllowUpdates() did it!
"The Roku works in mysterious ways"...
Thank you Jim, you are sanity saver!