is there a way to freeze just a section of an item or track?

Edited: I posted a workaround but I realized I was wrong... I'll come back with another solution, just let me think...

Have you tried to set your track to "Record: output (stereo/mono)" after having your first melody done and record it so it can get stacked into the MIDI item as a take? (You have to check too Monitor track media when recording and Preserve PDC delayed monitoring). After recording that part of the arragement you could set that VSTi you just used to Offline state and load another one. You'll just need to mute the item (MIDI/Audio) previosuly created. Ah and you have to set that track to FIPM (right-click on the track and check Selected tracks are free item position enabled) if you want to record another MIDI item to continue with another melody.

i don't think that's what i want to do though. i wish somebody would translate for me what i do want to do and how to do it. i certainly cant. i know reaper like the back of my head. im going to have to keep rereading this thread till i understand what people are trying to say.

i think a little bit of ockman's razor is in need here :)