ctrl + shift + 8 to create a new bullet list
ctrl + ] to indent right
ctrl + [ to indent leftCtrl + ] & [ to indent? What's wrong with Tab & Shift-Tab, like in every other app?
Thus, when I hit [tab] now focus is taken out of this text box and to the reply button.
Gmail and email encourage formatting. You're writing a letter, not a twitter post.
If people want to write real email they can use a real client, not a web interface.
If you're in the shell, "tab" should tab-complete, not move to the next terminal you have open.
If you're in a shooting game, "tab" should reload your weapon or show scores or whatever, not advance your cursor to the next target.
If you're in MS word, tab should indent the next line, not move to a different control.
If you're writing an email, same thing, because "writing" is most like "writing in MS word."
Re: your second point, Gmail is a really good "real" web client, at least for most people, and this is a small step away from that.
Edit: Thinking about it.. maybe I'll try big G's version.
Seems like a sensible mnemonic to me.