Boss VF-1 Effect Processor

Hello, folks - I came across this group looking for unrelated info and
joined up, being a VF-1 and SE-70 user - Glad to see a corner of the
web devoted to our little red partner in sound shaping.
Browsing through the previous messages, I didn't see an issue
addressed that I've wondered about for a while. As far as I'm aware,
the VF-1, though providing a healthy amount of pitch shifting
capability with multiple shifts and harmonies, cannot produce what can
be simply called the "whammy" effect.
It seems that continuous control only allows for a smooth pitch sweep
(measured by 100 cents through a single step) with the fine pitch
adjustment, which only goes one step/semitone (100 cents) up or down.
The "macro" pitch parameter can also be continuously controlled but
only through semitone increments; when swept through a full octave
range, for example, the pitch does change but with a "stairstep" effect.
(As some of you may know, the SE-70 lacks the capability to produce
diatonic harmonies but can do smooth pitch sweeps quite effectively,
with a +/- 2400 cent (two octaves up and down) range.)
Two questions, then: Am I missing anything in the VF-1, a hidden
parameter or setting that will allow smooth pitch sweep beyond +/- 100
cents? 
Does the software update modify or update the pitch shifting capability?

(I'm sure I'm not articulating an original thought by writing this,
but it is very frustrating how, from product to similar product,
Roland seems to update and add some capabilities while eliminating
others. As far as pitch shifting is concerned, I'd love for the VF-1
to carry on what the SE-70 could do -- 12 voice chromatic shifts and
+/- 2400 cent sweeps -- while possibly adding new capabilities. (When
is an update a true update and when is it something new but different?)
I suppose that there has to be some give and take, but don't take away
the cool stuff, please! Maybe Roland could have skimped on the silly
graphics in the VF-1's display and provided more pitch shift
options... y'know, something that's actually useful...)

Thanks for reading, if you've made it this far, and thanks for
maintaining this group.
Rob