Appreciate the response. The problem is that the new process introduces another click where you have to select the document format. In iWork '09, you click the menu, then drag to word, then a menu opens. so 1-2 clicks vs. extra clicks and context shifts. It's a step backward.

I realize an update to Mavericks won't necessarily affect iWork, but I'm too attached to my current process to even risk it. It's an irrational behavior, I know. :-)