G12 Manual Focus C1 problem-help

Hi all.  Pretty new here...this is maybe my 2nd post.  I found myself with the same issue - learning that my G12 will not stay in MF mode when the display is turned off for any reason. I am trying to set up for some very long-term time-lapse photography.  I'll be using an AC power adapter, and want to stay in MF mode while also turning off the display to reduce the power draw and preserve the display screen. And it sounds like the G12 won't willingly do that.

So was there ever a solution found to make it happen?  Thanks.