Hi Cofi, thanks for taking the time to correspond. As I understand the concept of this thread, anyone is free to answer questions directed to them, if this is a misunderstanding, the moderator can kindly delete this post.
There is some question if an Anabaptist is qualified to answer for Protestants, as we have been historically been considered by them to be heretics but it in broad strokes we generally fall in that category.
My dis-inclination toward the traditions you think of as reverence of saints and icons is based in at least three biblical concepts.
1. The singularity of Jesus. He is the only mediator, to seek another is in a small way to turn from Jesus. 1 Tim 3.
2. We appeal to Jesus because he is the incarnate God, a singular quality shared by none, not his mother nor any other saintly person.
3. The general biblical prohibition on contracting those who have passed through death for any reason, including petition, hidden knowledge or advice.
One feature of the reverence of saints I admire in some way is the bringing together of heaven and earth, as this is the primary purpose of Jesus' life, ministry, death and resurrection. This is found in his great prayer, "As in heaven, so on earth..." However, I see a misunderstanding of the the eternal kingdom implicit in this practice. When heaven and earth are one, we on earth will assume the position of those in the eternal kingdom not needing intercession or petition for all will be made new. I am in favor of joining the heavenly host in the activities they are already enjoying, but not in favor of pulling them back into our experience.