diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 0612ca4d..343cd29c 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@
     "resemblejs": "^2.2.1",
     "run-sequence": "^1.2.2",
     "stats.js": "0.16.0",
-    "straps": "^1.9.0"
+    "straps": "^2.0.1"
   },
   "browser": {
     "canvas": false,
diff --git a/src/basic/Matrix.js b/src/basic/Matrix.js
index 0e2f3cf3..7506670d 100644
--- a/src/basic/Matrix.js
+++ b/src/basic/Matrix.js
@@ -18,9 +18,9 @@
 /**
  * @name Matrix
  *
- * @class An affine transform performs a linear mapping from 2D coordinates
- * to other 2D coordinates that preserves the "straightness" and
- * "parallelness" of lines.
+ * @class An affine transformation matrix performs a linear mapping from 2D
+ *     coordinates to other 2D coordinates that preserves the "straightness" and
+ *     "parallelness" of lines.
  *
  * Such a coordinate transformation can be represented by a 3 row by 3
  * column matrix with an implied last row of `[ 0 0 1 ]`. This matrix
@@ -42,8 +42,15 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
     _class: 'Matrix',
 
     /**
-     * Creates a 2D affine transform.
+     * Creates a 2D affine transformation matrix that describes the identity
+     * transformation.
      *
+     * @name Matrix#initialize
+     */
+    /**
+     * Creates a 2D affine transformation matrix.
+     *
+     * @name Matrix#initialize
      * @param {Number} a the a property of the transform
      * @param {Number} c the c property of the transform
      * @param {Number} b the b property of the transform
@@ -51,16 +58,28 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
      * @param {Number} tx the tx property of the transform
      * @param {Number} ty the ty property of the transform
      */
+    /**
+     * Creates a 2D affine transformation matrix.
+     *
+     * @name Matrix#initialize
+     * @param {Number[]} values the matrix values to initialize this matrix with
+     */
+    /**
+     * Creates a 2D affine transformation matrix.
+     *
+     * @name Matrix#initialize
+     * @param {Matrix} matrix the matrix to copy the values from
+     */
     initialize: function Matrix(arg) {
         var count = arguments.length,
             ok = true;
         if (count === 6) {
-            this.set.apply(this, arguments);
+            this._set.apply(this, arguments);
         } else if (count === 1) {
             if (arg instanceof Matrix) {
-                this.set(arg._a, arg._b, arg._c, arg._d, arg._tx, arg._ty);
+                this._set(arg._a, arg._b, arg._c, arg._d, arg._tx, arg._ty);
             } else if (Array.isArray(arg)) {
-                this.set.apply(this, arg);
+                this._set.apply(this, arg);
             } else {
                 ok = false;
             }
@@ -72,20 +91,20 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
         if (!ok) {
             throw new Error('Unsupported matrix parameters');
         }
+        return this;
     },
 
     /**
-     * Sets this transform to the matrix specified by the 6 values.
+     * Sets the matrix to the passed values. Note that any sequence of
+     * parameters that is supported by the various {@link Matrix()} constructors
+     * also work for calls of `set()`.
      *
-     * @param {Number} a the a property of the transform
-     * @param {Number} b the b property of the transform
-     * @param {Number} c the c property of the transform
-     * @param {Number} d the d property of the transform
-     * @param {Number} tx the tx property of the transform
-     * @param {Number} ty the ty property of the transform
-     * @return {Matrix} this affine transform
+     * @function
      */
-    set: function(a, b, c, d, tx, ty, _dontNotify) {
+    set: '#initialize',
+
+    // See Point#_set() for an explanation of #_set():
+    _set: function(a, b, c, d, tx, ty, _dontNotify) {
         this._a = a;
         this._b = b;
         this._c = c;
@@ -176,7 +195,7 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
     },
 
     /**
-     * Concatenates this transform with a translate transformation.
+     * Concatenates this matrix with a translate transformation.
      *
      * @name Matrix#translate
      * @function
@@ -184,7 +203,7 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
      * @return {Matrix} this affine transform
      */
     /**
-     * Concatenates this transform with a translate transformation.
+     * Concatenates this matrix with a translate transformation.
      *
      * @name Matrix#translate
      * @function
@@ -203,7 +222,7 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
     },
 
     /**
-     * Concatenates this transform with a scaling transformation.
+     * Concatenates this matrix with a scaling transformation.
      *
      * @name Matrix#scale
      * @function
@@ -212,7 +231,7 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
      * @return {Matrix} this affine transform
      */
     /**
-     * Concatenates this transform with a scaling transformation.
+     * Concatenates this matrix with a scaling transformation.
      *
      * @name Matrix#scale
      * @function
@@ -237,7 +256,7 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
     },
 
     /**
-     * Concatenates this transform with a rotation transformation around an
+     * Concatenates this matrix with a rotation transformation around an
      * anchor point.
      *
      * @name Matrix#rotate
@@ -247,7 +266,7 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
      * @return {Matrix} this affine transform
      */
     /**
-     * Concatenates this transform with a rotation transformation around an
+     * Concatenates this matrix with a rotation transformation around an
      * anchor point.
      *
      * @name Matrix#rotate
@@ -282,7 +301,7 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
     },
 
     /**
-     * Concatenates this transform with a shear transformation.
+     * Concatenates this matrix with a shear transformation.
      *
      * @name Matrix#shear
      * @function
@@ -291,7 +310,7 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
      * @return {Matrix} this affine transform
      */
     /**
-     * Concatenates this transform with a shear transformation.
+     * Concatenates this matrix with a shear transformation.
      *
      * @name Matrix#shear
      * @function
@@ -320,7 +339,7 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
     },
 
     /**
-     * Concatenates this transform with a skew transformation.
+     * Concatenates this matrix with a skew transformation.
      *
      * @name Matrix#skew
      * @function
@@ -329,7 +348,7 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
      * @return {Matrix} this affine transform
      */
     /**
-     * Concatenates this transform with a skew transformation.
+     * Concatenates this matrix with a skew transformation.
      *
      * @name Matrix#skew
      * @function
@@ -473,15 +492,15 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
     },
 
     /**
-     * @deprecated, use use {@link #append(matrix)} instead.
+     * @deprecated use use {@link #append(matrix)} instead.
      */
     concatenate: '#append',
     /**
-     * @deprecated, use use {@link #prepend(matrix)} instead.
+     * @deprecated use use {@link #prepend(matrix)} instead.
      */
     preConcatenate: '#prepend',
     /**
-     * @deprecated, use use {@link #appended(matrix)} instead.
+     * @deprecated use use {@link #appended(matrix)} instead.
      */
     chain: '#appended',
 
@@ -501,7 +520,7 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
     },
 
     /**
-     * @return {Boolean} whether this transform is the identity transform
+     * @return {Boolean} whether this matrix is the identity matrix
      */
     isIdentity: function() {
         return this._a === 1 && this._b === 0 && this._c === 0 && this._d === 1
@@ -509,10 +528,10 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
     },
 
     /**
-     * Returns whether the transform is invertible. A transform is not
-     * invertible if the determinant is 0 or any value is non-finite or NaN.
+     * Checks whether the matrix is invertible. A matrix is not invertible if
+     * the determinant is 0 or any value is infinite or NaN.
      *
-     * @return {Boolean} whether the transform is invertible
+     * @return {Boolean} whether the matrix is invertible
      */
     isInvertible: function() {
         var det = this._a * this._d - this._c * this._b;
@@ -566,7 +585,7 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
             y = point.y;
         if (!dest)
             dest = new Point();
-        return dest.set(
+        return dest._set(
                 x * this._a + y * this._c + this._tx,
                 x * this._b + y * this._d + this._ty,
                 _dontNotify);
@@ -611,7 +630,7 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
         }
         if (!dest)
             dest = new Rectangle();
-        return dest.set(min[0], min[1], max[0] - min[0], max[1] - min[1],
+        return dest._set(min[0], min[1], max[0] - min[0], max[1] - min[1],
                 _dontNotify);
     },
 
@@ -638,7 +657,7 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
                 y = point.y - this._ty;
             if (!dest)
                 dest = new Point();
-            res = dest.set(
+            res = dest._set(
                     (x * d - y * c) / det,
                     (y * a - x * b) / det,
                     _dontNotify);
@@ -741,7 +760,7 @@ var Matrix = Base.extend(/** @lends Matrix# */{
      */
 
     /**
-     * The transform values as an array, in the same sequence as they are passed
+     * The matrix values as an array, in the same sequence as they are passed
      * to {@link #initialize(a, b, c, d, tx, ty)}.
      *
      * @bean
diff --git a/src/basic/Point.js b/src/basic/Point.js
index da055aee..215f3cb8 100644
--- a/src/basic/Point.js
+++ b/src/basic/Point.js
@@ -130,40 +130,63 @@ var Point = Base.extend(/** @lends Point# */{
      * @name Point#initialize
      */
     initialize: function Point(arg0, arg1) {
-        var type = typeof arg0;
+        var type = typeof arg0,
+            reading = this.__read,
+            read = 0;
         if (type === 'number') {
             var hasY = typeof arg1 === 'number';
-            this.x = arg0;
-            this.y = hasY ? arg1 : arg0;
-            if (this.__read)
-                this.__read = hasY ? 2 : 1;
+            this._set(arg0, hasY ? arg1 : arg0);
+            if (reading)
+                read = hasY ? 2 : 1;
         } else if (type === 'undefined' || arg0 === null) {
-            this.x = this.y = 0;
-            if (this.__read)
-                this.__read = arg0 === null ? 1 : 0;
+            this._set(0, 0);
+            if (reading)
+                read = arg0 === null ? 1 : 0;
         } else {
             var obj = type === 'string' ? arg0.split(/[\s,]+/) || [] : arg0;
+            read = 1;
             if (Array.isArray(obj)) {
-                this.x = obj[0];
-                this.y = obj.length > 1 ? obj[1] : obj[0];
+                this._set(+obj[0], +(obj.length > 1 ? obj[1] : obj[0]));
             } else if ('x' in obj) {
-                this.x = obj.x;
-                this.y = obj.y;
+                this._set(obj.x || 0, obj.y || 0);
             } else if ('width' in obj) {
-                this.x = obj.width;
-                this.y = obj.height;
+                this._set(obj.width || 0, obj.height || 0);
             } else if ('angle' in obj) {
-                this.x = obj.length;
-                this.y = 0;
-                this.setAngle(obj.angle);
+                this._set(obj.length || 0, 0);
+                this.setAngle(obj.angle || 0);
             } else {
-                this.x = this.y = 0;
-                if (this.__read)
-                    this.__read = 0;
+                this._set(0, 0);
+                read = 0;
             }
-            if (this.__read)
-                this.__read = 1;
         }
+        if (reading)
+            this.__read = read;
+        return this;
+    },
+
+    /**
+     * Sets the point to the passed values. Note that any sequence of parameters
+     * that is supported by the various {@link Point()} constructors also work
+     * for calls of `set()`.
+     *
+     * @function
+     */
+    set: '#initialize',
+
+    /**
+     * Internal helper function to directly set the underlying properties.
+     *
+     * Convention regarding {@link #set()} VS {@link #_set()}:
+     *
+     * - {@link #_set()} is for actually setting properties, e.g. on Point,
+     *   Size, so that derived classes can reuse other parts (e.g. SegmentPoint)
+     * - {@link #set()} is a shortcut to #initialize() on all basic types, to
+     *   offer the same amount of flexibility when setting values.
+     */
+    _set: function(x, y) {
+        this.x = x;
+        this.y = y;
+        return this;
     },
 
     /**
@@ -180,12 +203,6 @@ var Point = Base.extend(/** @lends Point# */{
      * @type Number
      */
 
-    set: function(x, y) {
-        this.x = x;
-        this.y = y;
-        return this;
-    },
-
     /**
      * Checks whether the coordinates of the point are equal to that of the
      * supplied point.
@@ -257,7 +274,7 @@ var Point = Base.extend(/** @lends Point# */{
         // assignment, so LinkedPoint does not report changes twice.
         if (this.isZero()) {
             var angle = this._angle || 0;
-            this.set(
+            this._set(
                 Math.cos(angle) * length,
                 Math.sin(angle) * length
             );
@@ -267,7 +284,7 @@ var Point = Base.extend(/** @lends Point# */{
             // x and y are 0
             if (Numerical.isZero(scale))
                 this.getAngle();
-            this.set(
+            this._set(
                 this.x * scale,
                 this.y * scale
             );
@@ -347,7 +364,7 @@ var Point = Base.extend(/** @lends Point# */{
             var length = this.getLength();
             // Use #set() instead of direct assignment of x/y, so LinkedPoint
             // does not report changes twice.
-            this.set(
+            this._set(
                 Math.cos(angle) * length,
                 Math.sin(angle) * length
             );
@@ -997,7 +1014,8 @@ var LinkedPoint = Point.extend({
         this._setter = setter;
     },
 
-    set: function(x, y, _dontNotify) {
+    // See Point#_set() for an explanation of #_set():
+    _set: function(x, y, _dontNotify) {
         this._x = x;
         this._y = y;
         if (!_dontNotify)
diff --git a/src/basic/Rectangle.js b/src/basic/Rectangle.js
index d37c44d4..bc806e02 100644
--- a/src/basic/Rectangle.js
+++ b/src/basic/Rectangle.js
@@ -77,77 +77,92 @@ var Rectangle = Base.extend(/** @lends Rectangle# */{
      */
     initialize: function Rectangle(arg0, arg1, arg2, arg3) {
         var type = typeof arg0,
-            read = 0;
+            read;
         if (type === 'number') {
             // new Rectangle(x, y, width, height)
-            this.x = arg0;
-            this.y = arg1;
-            this.width = arg2;
-            this.height = arg3;
+            this._set(arg0, arg1, arg2, arg3);
             read = 4;
         } else if (type === 'undefined' || arg0 === null) {
             // new Rectangle(), new Rectangle(null)
-            this.x = this.y = this.width = this.height = 0;
+            this._set(0, 0, 0, 0);
             read = arg0 === null ? 1 : 0;
         } else if (arguments.length === 1) {
             // This can either be an array, or an object literal.
             if (Array.isArray(arg0)) {
-                this.x = arg0[0];
-                this.y = arg0[1];
-                this.width = arg0[2];
-                this.height = arg0[3];
+                this._set.apply(this, arg0);
                 read = 1;
             } else if (arg0.x !== undefined || arg0.width !== undefined) {
                 // Another rectangle or a simple object literal
                 // describing one. Use duck typing, and 0 as defaults.
-                this.x = arg0.x || 0;
-                this.y = arg0.y || 0;
-                this.width = arg0.width || 0;
-                this.height = arg0.height || 0;
+                this._set(arg0.x || 0, arg0.y || 0,
+                        arg0.width || 0, arg0.height || 0);
                 read = 1;
             } else if (arg0.from === undefined && arg0.to === undefined) {
-                // Use #_set to support whatever property the rectangle can
-                // take, but handle from/to separately below.
-                this.x = this.y = this.width = this.height = 0;
-                this._set(arg0);
+                // Use Base.filter() to support whatever property the rectangle
+                // can take, but handle from/to separately below.
+                this._set(0, 0, 0, 0);
+                Base.filter(this, arg0);
                 read = 1;
             }
         }
-        if (!read) {
+        if (read === undefined) {
             // Read a point argument and look at the next value to see whether
             // it's a size or a point, then read accordingly.
             // We're supporting both reading from a normal arguments list and
             // covering the Rectangle({ from: , to: }) constructor, through
             // Point.readNamed().
-            var point = Point.readNamed(arguments, 'from'),
-                next = Base.peek(arguments);
-            this.x = point.x;
-            this.y = point.y;
-            if (next && next.x !== undefined || Base.hasNamed(arguments, 'to')) {
+            var frm = Point.readNamed(arguments, 'from'),
+                next = Base.peek(arguments),
+                x = frm.x,
+                y = frm.y,
+                width,
+                height;
+            if (next && next.x !== undefined
+                    || Base.hasNamed(arguments, 'to')) {
                 // new Rectangle(from, to)
                 // Read above why we can use readNamed() to cover both cases.
                 var to = Point.readNamed(arguments, 'to');
-                this.width = to.x - point.x;
-                this.height = to.y - point.y;
+                width = to.x - x;
+                height = to.y - y;
                 // Check if horizontal or vertical order needs to be reversed.
-                if (this.width < 0) {
-                    this.x = to.x;
-                    this.width = -this.width;
+                if (width < 0) {
+                    x = to.x;
+                    width = -width;
                 }
-                if (this.height < 0) {
-                    this.y = to.y;
-                    this.height = -this.height;
+                if (height < 0) {
+                    y = to.y;
+                    height = -height;
                 }
             } else {
                 // new Rectangle(point, size)
                 var size = Size.read(arguments);
-                this.width = size.width;
-                this.height = size.height;
+                width = size.width;
+                height = size.height;
             }
+            this._set(x, y, width, height);
             read = arguments.__index;
         }
         if (this.__read)
             this.__read = read;
+        return this;
+    },
+
+    /**
+     * Sets the rectangle to the passed values. Note that any sequence of
+     * parameters that is supported by the various {@link Rectangle()}
+     * constructors also work for calls of `set()`.
+     *
+     * @function
+     */
+    set: '#initialize',
+
+    // See Point#_set() for an explanation of #_set():
+    _set: function(x, y, width, height) {
+        this.x = x;
+        this.y = y;
+        this.width = width;
+        this.height = height;
+        return this;
     },
 
     /**
@@ -178,17 +193,6 @@ var Rectangle = Base.extend(/** @lends Rectangle# */{
      * @type Number
      */
 
-    /**
-     * @ignore
-     */
-    set: function(x, y, width, height) {
-        this.x = x;
-        this.y = y;
-        this.width = width;
-        this.height = height;
-        return this;
-    },
-
     /**
      * Returns a copy of the rectangle.
      */
@@ -842,12 +846,13 @@ var Rectangle = Base.extend(/** @lends Rectangle# */{
 var LinkedRectangle = Rectangle.extend({
     // Have LinkedRectangle appear as a normal Rectangle in debugging
     initialize: function Rectangle(x, y, width, height, owner, setter) {
-        this.set(x, y, width, height, true);
+        this._set(x, y, width, height, true);
         this._owner = owner;
         this._setter = setter;
     },
 
-    set: function(x, y, width, height, _dontNotify) {
+    // See Point#_set() for an explanation of #_set():
+    _set: function(x, y, width, height, _dontNotify) {
         this._x = x;
         this._y = y;
         this._width = width;
diff --git a/src/basic/Size.js b/src/basic/Size.js
index 65786c1b..16cf4092 100644
--- a/src/basic/Size.js
+++ b/src/basic/Size.js
@@ -93,36 +93,51 @@ var Size = Base.extend(/** @lends Size# */{
      * console.log(size.height); // 50
      */
     initialize: function Size(arg0, arg1) {
-        var type = typeof arg0;
+        var type = typeof arg0,
+            reading = this.__read,
+            read = 0;
         if (type === 'number') {
             var hasHeight = typeof arg1 === 'number';
-            this.width = arg0;
-            this.height = hasHeight ? arg1 : arg0;
-            if (this.__read)
-                this.__read = hasHeight ? 2 : 1;
+            this._set(arg0, hasHeight ? arg1 : arg0);
+            if (reading)
+                read = hasHeight ? 2 : 1;
         } else if (type === 'undefined' || arg0 === null) {
-            this.width = this.height = 0;
-            if (this.__read)
-                this.__read = arg0 === null ? 1 : 0;
+            this._set(0, 0);
+            if (reading)
+                read = arg0 === null ? 1 : 0;
         } else {
             var obj = type === 'string' ? arg0.split(/[\s,]+/) || [] : arg0;
+            read = 1;
             if (Array.isArray(obj)) {
-                this.width = obj[0];
-                this.height = obj.length > 1 ? obj[1] : obj[0];
+                this._set(+obj[0], +(obj.length > 1 ? obj[1] : obj[0]));
             } else if ('width' in obj) {
-                this.width = obj.width;
-                this.height = obj.height;
+                this._set(obj.width || 0, obj.height || 0);
             } else if ('x' in obj) {
-                this.width = obj.x;
-                this.height = obj.y;
+                this._set(obj.x || 0, obj.y || 0);
             } else {
-                this.width = this.height = 0;
-                if (this.__read)
-                    this.__read = 0;
+                this._set(0, 0);
+                read = 0;
             }
-            if (this.__read)
-                this.__read = 1;
         }
+        if (reading)
+            this.__read = read;
+        return this;
+    },
+
+    /**
+     * Sets the size to the passed values. Note that any sequence of parameters
+     * that is supported by the various {@link Size()} constructors also work
+     * for calls of `set()`.
+     *
+     * @function
+     */
+    set: '#initialize',
+
+    // See Point#_set() for an explanation of #_set():
+    _set: function(width, height) {
+        this.width = width;
+        this.height = height;
+        return this;
     },
 
     /**
@@ -139,12 +154,6 @@ var Size = Base.extend(/** @lends Size# */{
      * @type Number
      */
 
-    set: function(width, height) {
-        this.width = width;
-        this.height = height;
-        return this;
-    },
-
     /**
      * Checks whether the width and height of the size are equal to those of the
      * supplied size.
@@ -551,7 +560,8 @@ var LinkedSize = Size.extend({
         this._setter = setter;
     },
 
-    set: function(width, height, _dontNotify) {
+    // See Point#_set() for an explanation of #_set():
+    _set: function(width, height, _dontNotify) {
         this._width = width;
         this._height = height;
         if (!_dontNotify)
diff --git a/src/core/Base.js b/src/core/Base.js
index 91c251c0..01ec95ac 100644
--- a/src/core/Base.js
+++ b/src/core/Base.js
@@ -80,11 +80,10 @@ Base.inject(/** @lends Base# */{
     /**
      * #_set() is part of the mechanism for constructors which take one object
      * literal describing all the properties to be set on the created instance.
+     * Through {@link Base.filter()} it supports `_filtered`
+     * handling as required by the {@link Base.readNamed()} mechanism.
      *
      * @param {Object} props an object describing the properties to set
-     * @param {Object} [exclude] a lookup table listing properties to exclude
-     * @param {Boolean} [dontCheck=false] whether to perform a
-     * Base.isPlainObject() check on props or not
      * @return {Boolean} {@true if the object is a plain object}
      */
     _set: function(props) {
@@ -306,8 +305,9 @@ Base.inject(/** @lends Base# */{
 
         /**
          * Copies all properties from `source` over to `dest`, supporting
-         * _filtered handling as required by Base.readNamed() mechanism, as well
-         * as an optional exclude` object that lists properties to exclude.
+         * `_filtered` handling as required by {@link Base.readNamed()}
+         * mechanism, as well as an optional exclude` object that lists
+         * properties to exclude.
          */
         filter: function(dest, source, exclude) {
             // If source is a filtering object, we need to get the keys from the
@@ -515,7 +515,7 @@ Base.inject(/** @lends Base# */{
                         }
                         // When reusing an object, initialize it through #_set()
                         // instead of the constructor function:
-                        (useTarget ? obj._set : ctor).apply(obj, args);
+                        (useTarget ? obj.set : ctor).apply(obj, args);
                         // Clear target to only use it once.
                         if (useTarget)
                             target = null;
diff --git a/src/item/Item.js b/src/item/Item.js
index 8c56ba7c..a6a28167 100644
--- a/src/item/Item.js
+++ b/src/item/Item.js
@@ -239,8 +239,8 @@ new function() { // Injection scope for various item event handlers
     },
 
     /**
-     * Sets those properties of the passed object literal on this item to
-     * the values defined in the object literal, if the item has property of the
+     * Sets the properties of the passed object literal on this item to the
+     * values defined in the object literal, if the item has property of the
      * given name (or a setter defined for it).
      *
      * @param {Object} props
@@ -400,7 +400,7 @@ new function() { // Injection scope for various item event handlers
     },
 
     setStyle: function(style) {
-        // Don't access _style directly so Path#getStyle() can be overriden for
+        // Don't access _style directly so Path#getStyle() can be overridden for
         // CompoundPaths.
         this.getStyle().set(style);
     }
@@ -852,7 +852,7 @@ new function() { // Injection scope for various item event handlers
             // Restore to the last revertible matrix stored in _backup, and get
             // the bounds again. That way, we can prevent collapsing to 0-size.
             if (!_matrix.isInvertible()) {
-                _matrix.initialize(_matrix._backup
+                _matrix.set(_matrix._backup
                         || new Matrix().translate(_matrix.getTranslation()));
                 bounds = this.getBounds();
             }
@@ -1565,7 +1565,7 @@ new function() { // Injection scope for various item event handlers
         }
         // Use Matrix#initialize to easily copy over values.
         if (!excludeMatrix)
-            this._matrix.initialize(source._matrix);
+            this._matrix.set(source._matrix);
         // We can't just set _applyMatrix as many item types won't allow it,
         // e.g. creating a Shape in Path#toShape().
         // Using the setter instead takes care of it.
diff --git a/src/item/Project.js b/src/item/Project.js
index c84791f6..afd7fe56 100644
--- a/src/item/Project.js
+++ b/src/item/Project.js
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ var Project = PaperScopeItem.extend(/** @lends Project# */{
 
     setCurrentStyle: function(style) {
         // TODO: Style selected items with the style:
-        this._currentStyle.initialize(style);
+        this._currentStyle.set(style);
     },
 
     /**
diff --git a/src/item/Shape.js b/src/item/Shape.js
index d4144e9c..cccb16fa 100644
--- a/src/item/Shape.js
+++ b/src/item/Shape.js
@@ -90,8 +90,7 @@ var Shape = Item.extend(/** @lends Shape# */{
                 height = size.height;
             if (type === 'rectangle') {
                 // Shrink radius accordingly
-                var radius = Size.min(this._radius, size.divide(2));
-                this._radius.set(radius.width, radius.height);
+                this._radius.set(Size.min(this._radius, size.divide(2)));
             } else if (type === 'circle') {
                 // Use average of width and height as new size, then calculate
                 // radius as a number from that:
@@ -99,9 +98,9 @@ var Shape = Item.extend(/** @lends Shape# */{
                 this._radius = width / 2;
             } else if (type === 'ellipse') {
                 // The radius is a size.
-                this._radius.set(width / 2, height / 2);
+                this._radius._set(width / 2, height / 2);
             }
-            this._size.set(width, height);
+            this._size._set(width, height);
             this._changed(/*#=*/Change.GEOMETRY);
         }
     },
@@ -127,7 +126,7 @@ var Shape = Item.extend(/** @lends Shape# */{
                 return;
             var size = radius * 2;
             this._radius = radius;
-            this._size.set(size, size);
+            this._size._set(size, size);
         } else {
             radius = Size.read(arguments);
             if (!this._radius) {
@@ -136,13 +135,13 @@ var Shape = Item.extend(/** @lends Shape# */{
             } else {
                 if (this._radius.equals(radius))
                     return;
-                this._radius.set(radius.width, radius.height);
+                this._radius.set(radius);
                 if (type === 'rectangle') {
                     // Grow size accordingly
                     var size = Size.max(this._size, radius.multiply(2));
-                    this._size.set(size.width, size.height);
+                    this._size.set(size);
                 } else if (type === 'ellipse') {
-                    this._size.set(radius.width * 2, radius.height * 2);
+                    this._size._set(radius.width * 2, radius.height * 2);
                 }
             }
         }
diff --git a/src/node/extend.js b/src/node/extend.js
index d12011e8..a69b4dba 100644
--- a/src/node/extend.js
+++ b/src/node/extend.js
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ module.exports = function(paper) {
         },
 
         /**
-         * @deprecated, use use {@link #createCanvas(width, height)} instead.
+         * @deprecated use use {@link #createCanvas(width, height)} instead.
          */
         Canvas: '#createCanvas'
     });
diff --git a/src/path/Curve.js b/src/path/Curve.js
index 16497f56..d366595b 100644
--- a/src/path/Curve.js
+++ b/src/path/Curve.js
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@ var Curve = Base.extend(/** @lends Curve# */{
                 handleOut = segment2._handleOut;
             removed = segment2.remove();
             if (removed)
-                this._segment1._handleOut.set(handleOut.x, handleOut.y);
+                this._segment1._handleOut.set(handleOut);
         }
         return removed;
     },
@@ -182,8 +182,7 @@ var Curve = Base.extend(/** @lends Curve# */{
     },
 
     setPoint1: function(/* point */) {
-        var point = Point.read(arguments);
-        this._segment1._point.set(point.x, point.y);
+        this._segment1._point.set(Point.read(arguments));
     },
 
     /**
@@ -197,8 +196,7 @@ var Curve = Base.extend(/** @lends Curve# */{
     },
 
     setPoint2: function(/* point */) {
-        var point = Point.read(arguments);
-        this._segment2._point.set(point.x, point.y);
+        this._segment2._point.set(Point.read(arguments));
     },
 
     /**
@@ -212,8 +210,7 @@ var Curve = Base.extend(/** @lends Curve# */{
     },
 
     setHandle1: function(/* point */) {
-        var point = Point.read(arguments);
-        this._segment1._handleOut.set(point.x, point.y);
+        this._segment1._handleOut.set(Point.read(arguments));
     },
 
     /**
@@ -227,8 +224,7 @@ var Curve = Base.extend(/** @lends Curve# */{
     },
 
     setHandle2: function(/* point */) {
-        var point = Point.read(arguments);
-        this._segment2._handleIn.set(point.x, point.y);
+        this._segment2._handleIn.set(Point.read(arguments));
     },
 
     /**
@@ -487,8 +483,8 @@ var Curve = Base.extend(/** @lends Curve# */{
                 // Adjust the handles on the existing segments. The new segment
                 // will be inserted between the existing segment1 and segment2:
                 // Convert absolute -> relative
-                segment1._handleOut.set(left[2] - left[0], left[3] - left[1]);
-                segment2._handleIn.set(right[4] - right[6],right[5] - right[7]);
+                segment1._handleOut._set(left[2] - left[0], left[3] - left[1]);
+                segment2._handleIn._set(right[4] - right[6],right[5] - right[7]);
             }
             // Create the new segment:
             var x = left[6], y = left[7],
@@ -543,7 +539,7 @@ var Curve = Base.extend(/** @lends Curve# */{
 
     // TODO: Remove in 1.0.0? (deprecated January 2016):
     /**
-     * @deprecated, use use {@link #divideAt(offset)} or
+     * @deprecated use use {@link #divideAt(offset)} or
      * {@link #divideAtTime(time)} instead.
      */
     divide: function(offset, isTime) {
@@ -553,7 +549,7 @@ var Curve = Base.extend(/** @lends Curve# */{
 
     // TODO: Remove in 1.0.0? (deprecated January 2016):
     /**
-     * @deprecated, use use {@link #splitAt(offset)} or
+     * @deprecated use use {@link #splitAt(offset)} or
      * {@link #splitAtTime(time)} instead.
      */
     split: function(offset, isTime) {
@@ -576,8 +572,8 @@ var Curve = Base.extend(/** @lends Curve# */{
      * turning the curve into a straight line.
      */
     clearHandles: function() {
-        this._segment1._handleOut.set(0, 0);
-        this._segment2._handleIn.set(0, 0);
+        this._segment1._handleOut._set(0, 0);
+        this._segment2._handleIn._set(0, 0);
     },
 
 statics: /** @lends Curve */{
@@ -1068,7 +1064,7 @@ statics: /** @lends Curve */{
 
     // TODO: Remove in 1.0.0? (deprecated January 2016):
     /**
-     * @deprecated, use use {@link #getTimeOf(point)} instead.
+     * @deprecated use use {@link #getTimeOf(point)} instead.
      */
     getParameterAt: '#getTimeAt',
 
@@ -1121,7 +1117,7 @@ statics: /** @lends Curve */{
 
     // TODO: Remove in 1.0.0? (deprecated January 2016):
     /**
-     * @deprecated, use use {@link #getTimeOf(point)} instead.
+     * @deprecated use use {@link #getTimeOf(point)} instead.
      */
     getParameterOf: '#getTimeOf',
 
diff --git a/src/path/Path.js b/src/path/Path.js
index 46869774..45082847 100644
--- a/src/path/Path.js
+++ b/src/path/Path.js
@@ -1086,7 +1086,7 @@ var Path = PathItem.extend(/** @lends Path# */{
     },
 
     /**
-     * @deprecated, use use {@link #splitAt(offset)} instead.
+     * @deprecated use use {@link #splitAt(offset)} instead.
      */
     split: function(index, time) {
         var curve,
diff --git a/src/path/PathItem.Boolean.js b/src/path/PathItem.Boolean.js
index ae0bc239..0b7a9ad0 100644
--- a/src/path/PathItem.Boolean.js
+++ b/src/path/PathItem.Boolean.js
@@ -799,8 +799,8 @@ PathItem.inject(new function() {
                         next = seg.getNext();
                     if (seg._path && hasOverlap(prev) && hasOverlap(next)) {
                         seg.remove();
-                        prev._handleOut.set(0, 0);
-                        next._handleIn.set(0, 0);
+                        prev._handleOut._set(0, 0);
+                        next._handleIn._set(0, 0);
                         var curve = prev.getCurve();
                         if (curve.isStraight() && curve.getLength() === 0)
                             prev.remove();
diff --git a/src/path/Segment.js b/src/path/Segment.js
index d1cbb837..58b177c1 100644
--- a/src/path/Segment.js
+++ b/src/path/Segment.js
@@ -198,10 +198,7 @@ var Segment = Base.extend(/** @lends Segment# */{
     },
 
     setPoint: function(/* point */) {
-        var point = Point.read(arguments);
-        // Do not replace the internal object but update it instead, so
-        // references to it are kept alive.
-        this._point.set(point.x, point.y);
+        this._point.set(Point.read(arguments));
     },
 
     /**
@@ -216,9 +213,7 @@ var Segment = Base.extend(/** @lends Segment# */{
     },
 
     setHandleIn: function(/* point */) {
-        var point = Point.read(arguments);
-        // See #setPoint:
-        this._handleIn.set(point.x, point.y);
+        this._handleIn.set(Point.read(arguments));
     },
 
     /**
@@ -233,9 +228,7 @@ var Segment = Base.extend(/** @lends Segment# */{
     },
 
     setHandleOut: function(/* point */) {
-        var point = Point.read(arguments);
-        // See #setPoint:
-        this._handleOut.set(point.x, point.y);
+        this._handleOut.set(Point.read(arguments));
     },
 
     /**
@@ -256,8 +249,8 @@ var Segment = Base.extend(/** @lends Segment# */{
      * turning the segment into a corner.
      */
     clearHandles: function() {
-        this._handleIn.set(0, 0);
-        this._handleOut.set(0, 0);
+        this._handleIn._set(0, 0);
+        this._handleOut._set(0, 0);
     },
 
     getSelection: function() {
@@ -527,10 +520,9 @@ var Segment = Base.extend(/** @lends Segment# */{
     reverse: function() {
         var handleIn = this._handleIn,
             handleOut = this._handleOut,
-            inX = handleIn._x,
-            inY = handleIn._y;
-        handleIn.set(handleOut._x, handleOut._y);
-        handleOut.set(inX, inY);
+            tmp = handleIn.clone();
+        handleIn.set(handleOut);
+        handleOut.set(tmp);
     },
 
     /**
@@ -603,13 +595,13 @@ var Segment = Base.extend(/** @lends Segment# */{
             handleIn2 = to._handleIn,
             handleOut2 = to._handleOut,
             handleOut1 = from._handleOut;
-        this._point.set(
+        this._point._set(
                 u * point1._x + v * point2._x,
                 u * point1._y + v * point2._y, true);
-        this._handleIn.set(
+        this._handleIn._set(
                 u * handleIn1._x + v * handleIn2._x,
                 u * handleIn1._y + v * handleIn2._y, true);
-        this._handleOut.set(
+        this._handleOut._set(
                 u * handleOut1._x + v * handleOut2._x,
                 u * handleOut1._y + v * handleOut2._y, true);
         this._changed();
diff --git a/src/path/SegmentPoint.js b/src/path/SegmentPoint.js
index ac5d8cc5..27c7974c 100644
--- a/src/path/SegmentPoint.js
+++ b/src/path/SegmentPoint.js
@@ -46,7 +46,8 @@ var SegmentPoint = Point.extend({
             this.setSelected(true);
     },
 
-    set: function(x, y) {
+    // See Point#_set() for an explanation of #_set():
+    _set: function(x, y) {
         this._x = x;
         this._y = y;
         this._owner._changed(this);
diff --git a/src/style/Color.js b/src/style/Color.js
index adf6cf6c..3bc456d4 100644
--- a/src/style/Color.js
+++ b/src/style/Color.js
@@ -625,10 +625,17 @@ var Color = Base.extend(new function() {
             this._alpha = alpha;
             if (reading)
                 this.__read = read;
+            return this;
         },
 
-        // Have #_set point to #initialize, as used by Base.importJSON()
-        _set: '#initialize',
+        /**
+         * Sets the color to the passed values. Note that any sequence of
+         * parameters that is supported by the various {@link Color()}
+         * constructors also work for calls of `set()`.
+         *
+         * @function
+         */
+        set: '#initialize',
 
         _serialize: function(options, dictionary) {
             var components = this.getComponents();
diff --git a/src/style/Gradient.js b/src/style/Gradient.js
index 0e436a27..7fbfb6b3 100644
--- a/src/style/Gradient.js
+++ b/src/style/Gradient.js
@@ -68,10 +68,15 @@ var Gradient = Base.extend(/** @lends Gradient# */{
     initialize: function Gradient(stops, radial) {
         // Use UID here since Gradients are exported through dictionary.add().
         this._id = UID.get();
-        if (stops && this._set(stops))
+        if (stops && this._set(stops)) {
+            // Erase arguments since we used the passed object instead.
             stops = radial = null;
-        if (!this._stops)
+        }
+        // As these values might already have been set in the _set() call above,
+        // only initialize them if that hasn't happened yet.
+        if (this._stops == null) {
             this.setStops(stops || ['white', 'black']);
+        }
         if (this._radial == null) {
             // Support old string type argument and new radial boolean.
             this.setRadial(typeof radial === 'string' && radial === 'radial'
diff --git a/src/style/Style.js b/src/style/Style.js
index 61386a52..2138e964 100644
--- a/src/style/Style.js
+++ b/src/style/Style.js
@@ -126,14 +126,15 @@ var Style = Base.extend(new function() {
         _class: 'Style',
         beans: true,
 
-        initialize: function Style(style, owner, project) {
+        initialize: function Style(style, _owner, _project) {
             // We keep values in a separate object that we can iterate over.
             this._values = {};
-            this._owner = owner;
-            this._project = owner && owner._project || project || paper.project;
+            this._owner = _owner;
+            this._project = _owner && _owner._project || _project
+                    || paper.project;
             // Use different defaults based on the owner
-            this._defaults = !owner || owner instanceof Group ? groupDefaults
-                    : owner instanceof TextItem ? textDefaults
+            this._defaults = !_owner || _owner instanceof Group ? groupDefaults
+                    : _owner instanceof TextItem ? textDefaults
                     : itemDefaults;
             if (style)
                 this.set(style);
@@ -263,6 +264,7 @@ var Style = Base.extend(new function() {
     return fields;
 }, /** @lends Style# */{
     set: function(style) {
+        this._values = {}; // Reset already set styles.
         // If the passed style object is also a Style, clone its clonable
         // fields rather than simply copying them.
         var isStyle = style instanceof Style,
diff --git a/src/view/View.js b/src/view/View.js
index 278e14bd..12a73c9b 100644
--- a/src/view/View.js
+++ b/src/view/View.js
@@ -389,7 +389,7 @@ var View = Base.extend(Emitter, /** @lends View# */{
         if (delta.isZero())
             return;
         this._setElementSize(width, height);
-        this._viewSize.set(width, height);
+        this._viewSize._set(width, height);
         // Call onResize handler on any size change
         this.emit('resize', {
             size: size,
diff --git a/test/tests/Point.js b/test/tests/Point.js
index 9206648d..4b75de97 100644
--- a/test/tests/Point.js
+++ b/test/tests/Point.js
@@ -46,6 +46,8 @@ test('new Point("10, 20")', function() {
     equals(new Point('10, 20'), new Point(10, 20));
     equals(new Point('10,20'), new Point(10, 20));
     equals(new Point('10 20'), new Point(10, 20));
+    // Make sure it's integer values from the string:
+    equals(new Point('10 20').add(10), new Point(20, 30));
 });
 
 test('normalize(length)', function() {
diff --git a/test/tests/Size.js b/test/tests/Size.js
index ee5871ff..df21a771 100644
--- a/test/tests/Size.js
+++ b/test/tests/Size.js
@@ -41,4 +41,6 @@ test('new Size("10, 20")', function() {
     equals(new Size('10, 20'), new Size(10, 20));
     equals(new Size('10,20'), new Size(10, 20));
     equals(new Size('10 20'), new Size(10, 20));
+    // Make sure it's integer values from the string:
+    equals(new Size('10 20').add(10), new Size(20, 30));
 });