With the improved path tool you already create line and curve segments while drawing. Paths may also be closed or opened afterwards, and the beginning of a path can be recognized immediately due to a new special selection handle. Furthermore, new anchor or control handles can be inserted in any position of a line or curve segment.
Up to now, groups could be scaled using the dialog. With Version 9, not only groups but also all selected objects without any grouping can be scaled interactively, both freely and proportionally (A). A new sizing handle (B) helps you with interactive proportional scaling. Use an additional key or this new sizing handle to scale not only the object shape but also content such as images or text.