Mackie Protocol question

[GuruGurra]

I haven't a clue if this is the right place to put this question, but I try.

I'm developing a program implementing the Mackie MCU protocol to talk to Cubase. In general, it works, but I have a couple of questions.

According to the protocol spec I'm supposed to initiate the connection with a Host Connection Request. When I do this, I get no response whatsoever from Cubase. Is this sequence not used by Cubase? (the rest of the communication seems to work and I can control Cubase, so it seems as if this sequence is not necessary)
Is there any way to request the "current state" of all and/or specific item controlled by the protocol (e.g. get the current state of the loop, play and stop controls on the transport bar).

Using Cubase 10.0.50 with the Mackie Control Remote Device configured in Cubase Device Mode.