Hi SBruce,
Well, I decided to take the scope back. I really do think it was optically a very good scope. The eye relief/box seemed incredible to me. I have mixed feelings about taking it back.
I wanted to put a different reticle on it (tactical milling) and I called Leupold and found out you are restricted to a very limited number of reticles - basically, only the ones they make the VX-7 with are the ones available to you.
I really did like the speed dials...I wish they made those available on other scopes as a modification.
Regarding your specific questions:
I honestly don't remember if it had a rotation mark on it. I want to say that it did not...but I'm only about 60% confident in that answer.
I'm pretty sure there is no zero stop.
They operate like a spring loaded turret cap that is also the dial knob. you basically unscrew the cap and it pops up and locks from a rotation perspective. You can then rotate it for your "clicks". When you are done you push it down and re-engage the threads and screw it down like you would a cap.
One other thing I found out is that you get one free custom "CDS" dial with a purchase of the VX-7 - that was not something I was aware of when I purchased mine.
In the end I purchased a new VX-3 4.5-14x LR. I'll send it in and get the reticle and knobs I want and I'll have the scope I want for a couple hundred less than the VX-7.
Sorry my memory isn't great on the details of the turrets. Let me know if you have any other questions.