Hi Steve,
although you didn't mention your SE version .. I'm quite sure that the attached macro stuff works fine for you.
Time ago I've added the feature you're missing to my SE b/c I'm also a Brief user.
So using the wrappers always default to word@cursor resp. current selection, but the history is also available of course.
BTW: I've also added word/dir/preserve_toggle commands as supplements to case_toggle and friends.
If you think it could be useful for you, just tell me.
Have fun,
HS2
Edit: Forgot to mention that you've to re-bind the appropriate keys to the wrapper commands after loading them.
Just for the sake of completeness.