Did some more testing today - still no luck
In the MessageListByBit I tried changing the object fore color (including transparent), individual message back colors, and individual fore colors. The only color I can get to change is the entire object background. I also tried setting the object background to transparent with the hopes the message backgrounds would show up.
All messages would display in black. Font style and size changed with no problem.
In the MessageDisplayByBit I got similar results from above with the exception of the object fore color. Changing the fore color of the object changed the message text.
As for the MultiState & MessageValue: That works to change individual message backgrounds and foregrounds. If that was available in a list form it'd be perfect