diff --git a/source/gui/CButton.cpp b/source/gui/CButton.cpp
index 403acacaaf..b6c0cb7311 100644
--- a/source/gui/CButton.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/CButton.cpp
@@ -60,10 +60,10 @@ void CButton::SetupText()
 
 	m_GeneratedTexts[0] = CGUIText(
 		m_pGUI,
-		GUI<CGUIString>::GetSetting(this, "caption"),
-		GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "font"),
+		GetSetting<CGUIString>("caption"),
+		GetSetting<CStrW>("font"),
 		m_CachedActualSize.GetWidth(),
-		GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "buffer_zone"),
+		GetSetting<float>("buffer_zone"),
 		this);
 
 	CalculateTextPosition(m_CachedActualSize, m_TextPos, m_GeneratedTexts[0]);
@@ -88,12 +88,12 @@ void CButton::Draw()
 	static const CStr strSpriteDisabled("sprite_disabled");
 	static const CStr strCellId("cell_id");
 
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, strSprite);
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_over = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, strSpriteOver);
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_pressed = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, strSpritePressed);
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_disabled = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, strSpriteDisabled);
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>(strSprite);
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_over = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>(strSpriteOver);
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_pressed = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>(strSpritePressed);
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_disabled = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>(strSpriteDisabled);
 
-	const int cell_id = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, strCellId);
+	const i32 cell_id = GetSetting<i32>(strCellId);
 
 	DrawButton(m_CachedActualSize, bz, sprite, sprite_over, sprite_pressed, sprite_disabled, cell_id);
 
diff --git a/source/gui/CChart.cpp b/source/gui/CChart.cpp
index 577f0d925a..6cacb2d344 100644
--- a/source/gui/CChart.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/CChart.cpp
@@ -44,9 +44,9 @@ CChart::CChart(CGUI& pGUI)
 	AddSetting<CGUISeries>("series");
 	AddSetting<EAlign>("text_align");
 
-	m_AxisWidth = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "axis_width");
-	m_FormatX = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "format_x");
-	m_FormatY = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "format_y");
+	m_AxisWidth = GetSetting<float>("axis_width");
+	m_FormatX = GetSetting<CStrW>("format_x");
+	m_FormatY = GetSetting<CStrW>("format_y");
 }
 
 CChart::~CChart()
@@ -60,9 +60,9 @@ void CChart::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 	{
 	case GUIM_SETTINGS_UPDATED:
 	{
-		m_AxisWidth = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "axis_width");
-		m_FormatX = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "format_x");
-		m_FormatY = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "format_y");
+		m_AxisWidth = GetSetting<float>("axis_width");
+		m_FormatX = GetSetting<CStrW>("format_x");
+		m_FormatY = GetSetting<CStrW>("format_y");
 
 		UpdateSeries();
 		break;
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ void CChart::DrawAxes(const CShaderProgramPtr& shader) const
 	ADD(m_CachedActualSize.left, m_CachedActualSize.top);
 	ADD(rect.left, rect.top - m_AxisWidth);
 #undef ADD
-	DrawTriangleStrip(shader, GUI<CGUIColor>::GetSetting(this, "axis_color"), vertices);
+	DrawTriangleStrip(shader, GetSetting<CGUIColor>("axis_color"), vertices);
 }
 
 void CChart::Draw()
@@ -182,8 +182,8 @@ CRect CChart::GetChartRect() const
 
 void CChart::UpdateSeries()
 {
-	const CGUISeries& pSeries = GUI<CGUISeries>::GetSetting(this, "series");
-	const CGUIList& pSeriesColor = GUI<CGUIList>::GetSetting(this, "series_color");
+	const CGUISeries& pSeries = GetSetting<CGUISeries>("series");
+	const CGUIList& pSeriesColor = GetSetting<CGUIList>("series_color");
 
 	m_Series.clear();
 	m_Series.resize(pSeries.m_Series.size());
@@ -209,11 +209,11 @@ void CChart::SetupText()
 	if (m_Series.empty())
 		return;
 
-	const CStrW& font = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "font");
-	const float buffer_zone = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "buffer_zone");
+	const CStrW& font = GetSetting<CStrW>("font");
+	const float buffer_zone = GetSetting<float>("buffer_zone");
 
 	// Add Y-axis
-	m_FormatY = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "format_y");
+	m_FormatY = GetSetting<CStrW>("format_y");
 	const float height = GetChartRect().GetHeight();
 	// TODO: split values depend on the format;
 	if (m_EqualY)
@@ -230,7 +230,7 @@ void CChart::SetupText()
 		}
 
 	// Add X-axis
-	m_FormatX = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "format_x");
+	m_FormatX = GetSetting<CStrW>("format_x");
 	const float width = GetChartRect().GetWidth();
 	if (m_EqualX)
 	{
diff --git a/source/gui/CCheckBox.cpp b/source/gui/CCheckBox.cpp
index 67266a2b2e..5e28a5b2cf 100644
--- a/source/gui/CCheckBox.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/CCheckBox.cpp
@@ -70,10 +70,10 @@ void CCheckBox::SetupText()
 
 	m_GeneratedTexts[0] = CGUIText(
 		m_pGUI,
-		GUI<CGUIString>::GetSetting(this, "caption"),
-		GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "font"),
-		m_CachedActualSize.GetWidth() - GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "square_side"),
-		GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "buffer_zone"),
+		GetSetting<CGUIString>("caption"),
+		GetSetting<CStrW>("font"),
+		m_CachedActualSize.GetWidth() - GetSetting<float>("square_side"),
+		GetSetting<float>("buffer_zone"),
 		this);
 }
 
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ void CCheckBox::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 	case GUIM_PRESSED:
 	{
 		// Switch to opposite.
-		GUI<bool>::SetSetting(this, "checked", !GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "checked"));
+		GUI<bool>::SetSetting(this, "checked", !GetSetting<bool>("checked"));
 		break;
 	}
 
@@ -99,22 +99,22 @@ void CCheckBox::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 
 void CCheckBox::Draw()
 {
-	if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "checked"))
+	if (GetSetting<bool>("checked"))
 		DrawButton(
 			m_CachedActualSize,
 			GetBufferedZ(),
-			GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite2"),
-			GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite2_over"),
-			GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite2_pressed"),
-			GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite2_disabled"),
-			GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "cell_id"));
+			GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite2"),
+			GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite2_over"),
+			GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite2_pressed"),
+			GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite2_disabled"),
+			GetSetting<i32>("cell_id"));
 	else
 		DrawButton(
 			m_CachedActualSize,
 			GetBufferedZ(),
-			GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite"),
-			GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite_over"),
-			GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite_pressed"),
-			GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite_disabled"),
-			GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "cell_id"));
+			GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite"),
+			GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite_over"),
+			GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite_pressed"),
+			GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite_disabled"),
+			GetSetting<i32>("cell_id"));
 }
diff --git a/source/gui/CDropDown.cpp b/source/gui/CDropDown.cpp
index ca10d8eae2..47dd2c596f 100644
--- a/source/gui/CDropDown.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/CDropDown.cpp
@@ -107,8 +107,8 @@ void CDropDown::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 		if (!GetListRect().PointInside(mouse))
 			break;
 
-		const CGUIList& pList = GUI<CGUIList>::GetSetting(this, "list");
-		const bool scrollbar = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar");
+		const CGUIList& pList = GetSetting<CGUIList>("list");
+		const bool scrollbar = GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar");
 		const float scroll = scrollbar ? GetScrollBar(0).GetPos() : 0.f;
 
 		CRect rect = GetListRect();
@@ -138,16 +138,16 @@ void CDropDown::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 
 	case GUIM_MOUSE_ENTER:
 	{
-		if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "enabled"))
+		if (GetSetting<bool>("enabled"))
 			PlaySound("sound_enter");
 		break;
 	}
 
 	case GUIM_MOUSE_LEAVE:
 	{
-		m_ElementHighlight = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "selected");
+		m_ElementHighlight = GetSetting<i32>("selected");
 
-		if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "enabled"))
+		if (GetSetting<bool>("enabled"))
 			PlaySound("sound_leave");
 		break;
 	}
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ void CDropDown::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 	// a mouse click to open the dropdown, also the coordinates are changed.
 	case GUIM_MOUSE_PRESS_LEFT:
 	{
-		if (!GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "enabled"))
+		if (!GetSetting<bool>("enabled"))
 		{
 			PlaySound("sound_disabled");
 			break;
@@ -164,13 +164,13 @@ void CDropDown::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 
 		if (!m_Open)
 		{
-			const CGUIList& pList = GUI<CGUIList>::GetSetting(this, "list");
+			const CGUIList& pList = GetSetting<CGUIList>("list");
 			if (pList.m_Items.empty())
 				return;
 
 			m_Open = true;
 			GetScrollBar(0).SetZ(GetBufferedZ());
-			m_ElementHighlight = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "selected");
+			m_ElementHighlight = GetSetting<i32>("selected");
 
 			// Start at the position of the selected item, if possible.
 			GetScrollBar(0).SetPos(m_ItemsYPositions.empty() ? 0 : m_ItemsYPositions[m_ElementHighlight] - 60);
@@ -206,10 +206,10 @@ void CDropDown::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 	case GUIM_MOUSE_WHEEL_DOWN:
 	{
 		// Don't switch elements by scrolling when open, causes a confusing interaction between this and the scrollbar.
-		if (m_Open || !GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "enabled"))
+		if (m_Open || !GetSetting<bool>("enabled"))
 			break;
 
-		m_ElementHighlight = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "selected");
+		m_ElementHighlight = GetSetting<i32>("selected");
 
 		if (m_ElementHighlight + 1 >= (int)m_ItemsYPositions.size() - 1)
 			break;
@@ -222,10 +222,10 @@ void CDropDown::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 	case GUIM_MOUSE_WHEEL_UP:
 	{
 		// Don't switch elements by scrolling when open, causes a confusing interaction between this and the scrollbar.
-		if (m_Open || !GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "enabled"))
+		if (m_Open || !GetSetting<bool>("enabled"))
 			break;
 
-		m_ElementHighlight = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "selected");
+		m_ElementHighlight = GetSetting<i32>("selected");
 		if (m_ElementHighlight - 1 < 0)
 			break;
 
@@ -306,7 +306,7 @@ InReaction CDropDown::ManuallyHandleEvent(const SDL_Event_* ev)
 
 				m_TimeOfLastInput = timer_Time();
 
-				const CGUIList& pList = GUI<CGUIList>::GetSetting(this, "list");
+				const CGUIList& pList = GetSetting<CGUIList>("list");
 				// let's look for the closest element
 				// basically it's alphabetic order and "as many letters as we can get".
 				int closest = -1;
@@ -348,7 +348,7 @@ InReaction CDropDown::ManuallyHandleEvent(const SDL_Event_* ev)
 		result = IN_HANDLED;
 
 	if (update_highlight)
-		m_ElementHighlight = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "selected");
+		m_ElementHighlight = GetSetting<i32>("selected");
 
 	return result;
 }
@@ -359,9 +359,9 @@ void CDropDown::SetupListRect()
 	extern float g_GuiScale;
 	const float yres = g_yres / g_GuiScale;
 
-	const float size = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "dropdown_size");
-	const float buffer = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "dropdown_buffer");
-	const u32 minimumVisibleItems = GUI<u32>::GetSetting(this, "minimum_visible_items");
+	const float size = GetSetting<float>("dropdown_size");
+	const float buffer = GetSetting<float>("dropdown_buffer");
+	const u32 minimumVisibleItems = GetSetting<u32>("minimum_visible_items");
 
 	if (m_ItemsYPositions.empty())
 	{
@@ -434,12 +434,12 @@ bool CDropDown::IsMouseOver() const
 void CDropDown::Draw()
 {
 	const float bz = GetBufferedZ();
-	const float button_width = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "button_width");
-	const bool enabled = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "enabled");
-	const int cell_id = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "cell_id");
-	const int selected = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "selected");
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, enabled ? "sprite" : "sprite_disabled");
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite2 = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite2");
+	const float button_width = GetSetting<float>("button_width");
+	const bool enabled = GetSetting<bool>("enabled");
+	const int cell_id = GetSetting<i32>("cell_id");
+	const int selected = GetSetting<i32>("selected");
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>(enabled ? "sprite" : "sprite_disabled");
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite2 = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite2");
 
 	m_pGUI.DrawSprite(sprite, cell_id, bz, m_CachedActualSize);
 
@@ -450,17 +450,17 @@ void CDropDown::Draw()
 
 		if (!enabled)
 		{
-			CGUISpriteInstance& sprite2_second = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite2_disabled");
+			CGUISpriteInstance& sprite2_second = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite2_disabled");
 			m_pGUI.DrawSprite(sprite2_second || sprite2, cell_id, bz + 0.05f, rect);
 		}
 		else if (m_Open)
 		{
-			CGUISpriteInstance& sprite2_second = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite2_pressed");
+			CGUISpriteInstance& sprite2_second = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite2_pressed");
 			m_pGUI.DrawSprite(sprite2_second || sprite2, cell_id, bz + 0.05f, rect);
 		}
 		else if (m_MouseHovering)
 		{
-			CGUISpriteInstance& sprite2_second = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite2_over");
+			CGUISpriteInstance& sprite2_second = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite2_over");
 			m_pGUI.DrawSprite(sprite2_second || sprite2, cell_id, bz + 0.05f, rect);
 		}
 		else
@@ -472,14 +472,14 @@ void CDropDown::Draw()
 		CRect cliparea(m_CachedActualSize.left, m_CachedActualSize.top,
 					   m_CachedActualSize.right-button_width, m_CachedActualSize.bottom);
 
-		const CGUIColor& color = GUI<CGUIColor>::GetSetting(this, enabled ? "textcolor_selected" : "textcolor_disabled");
+		const CGUIColor& color = GetSetting<CGUIColor>(enabled ? "textcolor_selected" : "textcolor_disabled");
 
 		CPos pos(m_CachedActualSize.left, m_CachedActualSize.top);
 		DrawText(selected, color, pos, bz+0.1f, cliparea);
 	}
 
 	// Disable scrollbar during drawing without sending a setting-changed message
-	bool& scrollbar = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar");
+	bool& scrollbar = GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar");
 	bool old = scrollbar;
 
 	if (m_Open)
diff --git a/source/gui/CGUI.cpp b/source/gui/CGUI.cpp
index c51f366de3..3902d745cc 100644
--- a/source/gui/CGUI.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/CGUI.cpp
@@ -864,7 +864,7 @@ void CGUI::Xeromyces_ReadObject(XMBElement Element, CXeromyces* pFile, IGUIObjec
 	if (!ManuallySetZ)
 	{
 		// Set it automatically to 10 plus its parents
-		if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(object, "absolute"))
+		if (object->GetSetting<bool>("absolute"))
 			// If the object is absolute, we'll have to get the parent's Z buffered,
 			// and add to that!
 			GUI<float>::SetSetting(object, "z", pParent->GetBufferedZ() + 10.f, true);
diff --git a/source/gui/CGUIText.cpp b/source/gui/CGUIText.cpp
index 909f502251..a5316f3578 100644
--- a/source/gui/CGUIText.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/CGUIText.cpp
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ CGUIText::CGUIText(const CGUI& pGUI, const CGUIString& string, const CStrW& Font
 	// to run through the TextCalls a second time in the CalculateTextPosition method again
 	EAlign align = EAlign_Left;
 	if (pObject->SettingExists("text_align"))
-		align = GUI<EAlign>::GetSetting(pObject, "text_align");
+		align = pObject->GetSetting<EAlign>("text_align");
 
 	// Go through string word by word
 	for (int i = 0; i < static_cast<int>(string.m_Words.size()) - 1; ++i)
diff --git a/source/gui/CImage.cpp b/source/gui/CImage.cpp
index 42098857a8..2c39e52740 100644
--- a/source/gui/CImage.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/CImage.cpp
@@ -39,8 +39,8 @@ CImage::~CImage()
 void CImage::Draw()
 {
 	m_pGUI.DrawSprite(
-		GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite"),
-		GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "cell_id"),
+		GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite"),
+		GetSetting<i32>("cell_id"),
 		GetBufferedZ(),
 		m_CachedActualSize);
 }
diff --git a/source/gui/CInput.cpp b/source/gui/CInput.cpp
index a26bc0efab..b3bc6afb56 100644
--- a/source/gui/CInput.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/CInput.cpp
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ void CInput::UpdateBufferPositionSetting()
 
 void CInput::ClearComposedText()
 {
-	CStrW& pCaption = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "caption");
+	CStrW& pCaption = GetSetting<CStrW>("caption");
 	pCaption.erase(m_iInsertPos, m_iComposedLength);
 	m_iBufferPos = m_iInsertPos;
 	UpdateBufferPositionSetting();
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ InReaction CInput::ManuallyHandleEvent(const SDL_Event_* ev)
 			return IN_PASS;
 
 		// Text has been committed, either single key presses or through an IME
-		CStrW& pCaption = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "caption");
+		CStrW& pCaption = GetSetting<CStrW>("caption");
 		std::wstring text = wstring_from_utf8(ev->ev.text.text);
 
 		m_WantedX = 0.0f;
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ InReaction CInput::ManuallyHandleEvent(const SDL_Event_* ev)
 
 		// Text is being composed with an IME
 		// TODO: indicate this by e.g. underlining the uncommitted text
-		CStrW& pCaption = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "caption");
+		CStrW& pCaption = GetSetting<CStrW>("caption");
 		const char* rawText = ev->ev.edit.text;
 		int rawLength = strlen(rawText);
 		std::wstring wtext = wstring_from_utf8(rawText);
@@ -199,7 +199,7 @@ InReaction CInput::ManuallyHandleEvent(const SDL_Event_* ev)
 		// Since the GUI framework doesn't handle to set settings
 		//  in Unicode (CStrW), we'll simply retrieve the actual
 		//  pointer and edit that.
-		CStrW& pCaption = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "caption");
+		CStrW& pCaption = GetSetting<CStrW>("caption");
 		SDL_Keycode keyCode = ev->ev.key.keysym.sym;
 
 		ManuallyImmutableHandleKeyDownEvent(keyCode, pCaption);
@@ -287,7 +287,7 @@ void CInput::ManuallyMutableHandleKeyDownEvent(const SDL_Keycode keyCode, CStrW&
 	{
 		// 'Return' should do a Press event for single liners (e.g. submitting forms)
 		//  otherwise a '\n' character will be added.
-		if (!GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "multiline"))
+		if (!GetSetting<bool>("multiline"))
 		{
 			SendEvent(GUIM_PRESSED, "press");
 			break;
@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@ void CInput::ManuallyMutableHandleKeyDownEvent(const SDL_Keycode keyCode, CStrW&
 			return;
 
 		// check max length
-		const int max_length = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "max_length");
+		const int max_length = GetSetting<i32>("max_length");
 		if (max_length != 0 && static_cast<int>(pCaption.length()) >= max_length)
 			break;
 
@@ -568,7 +568,7 @@ void CInput::ManuallyImmutableHandleKeyDownEvent(const SDL_Keycode keyCode, CStr
 
 InReaction CInput::ManuallyHandleHotkeyEvent(const SDL_Event_* ev)
 {
-	CStrW& pCaption = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "caption");
+	CStrW& pCaption = GetSetting<CStrW>("caption");
 
 	bool shiftKeyPressed = g_keys[SDLK_RSHIFT] || g_keys[SDLK_LSHIFT];
 
@@ -838,7 +838,7 @@ void CInput::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 	{
 		// Update scroll-bar
 		// TODO Gee: (2004-09-01) Is this really updated each time it should?
-		if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar") &&
+		if (GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar") &&
 			(Message.value == CStr("size") ||
 			 Message.value == CStr("z") ||
 			 Message.value == CStr("absolute")))
@@ -852,12 +852,12 @@ void CInput::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 		// Update scrollbar
 		if (Message.value == CStr("scrollbar_style"))
 		{
-			GetScrollBar(0).SetScrollBarStyle(GUI<CStr>::GetSetting(this, Message.value));
+			GetScrollBar(0).SetScrollBarStyle(GetSetting<CStr>(Message.value));
 		}
 
 		if (Message.value == CStr("buffer_position"))
 		{
-			m_iBufferPos = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, Message.value);
+			m_iBufferPos = GetSetting<i32>(Message.value);
 			m_iBufferPos_Tail = -1; // position change resets selection
 		}
 
@@ -874,7 +874,7 @@ void CInput::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 
 		if (Message.value == CStr("multiline"))
 		{
-			if (!GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "multiline"))
+			if (!GetSetting<bool>("multiline"))
 				GetScrollBar(0).SetLength(0.f);
 			else
 				GetScrollBar(0).SetLength(m_CachedActualSize.bottom - m_CachedActualSize.top);
@@ -885,15 +885,15 @@ void CInput::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 		UpdateAutoScroll();
 
 		if (Message.value == CStr("readonly"))
-			m_Readonly = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "readonly");
+			m_Readonly = GetSetting<bool>("readonly");
 
 		break;
 	}
 	case GUIM_MOUSE_PRESS_LEFT:
 	{
 		// Check if we're selecting the scrollbar
-		if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar") &&
-		    GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "multiline") &&
+		if (GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar") &&
+		    GetSetting<bool>("multiline") &&
 		    GetScrollBar(0).GetStyle())
 		{
 			if (m_pGUI.GetMousePos().x > m_CachedActualSize.right - GetScrollBar(0).GetStyle()->m_Width)
@@ -926,7 +926,7 @@ void CInput::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 		if (m_ComposingText)
 			break;
 
-		const CStrW& pCaption = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "caption");
+		const CStrW& pCaption = GetSetting<CStrW>("caption");
 
 		if (pCaption.empty())
 			break;
@@ -1059,12 +1059,12 @@ void CInput::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 		GetScrollBar(0).SetY(m_CachedActualSize.top);
 		GetScrollBar(0).SetZ(GetBufferedZ());
 		GetScrollBar(0).SetLength(m_CachedActualSize.bottom - m_CachedActualSize.top);
-		GetScrollBar(0).SetScrollBarStyle(GUI<CStr>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar_style"));
+		GetScrollBar(0).SetScrollBarStyle(GetSetting<CStr>("scrollbar_style"));
 
 		UpdateText();
 		UpdateAutoScroll();
 
-		m_Readonly = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "readonly");
+		m_Readonly = GetSetting<bool>("readonly");
 		break;
 	}
 	case GUIM_GOT_FOCUS:
@@ -1116,7 +1116,7 @@ void CInput::UpdateCachedSize()
 
 	IGUIObject::UpdateCachedSize();
 
-	if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar"))
+	if (GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar"))
 	{
 		GetScrollBar(0).SetX(m_CachedActualSize.right);
 		GetScrollBar(0).SetY(m_CachedActualSize.top);
@@ -1144,33 +1144,33 @@ void CInput::Draw()
 		m_CursorVisState = true;
 
 	// First call draw on ScrollBarOwner
-	const bool scrollbar = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar");
-	const float buffer_zone = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "buffer_zone");
-	const bool multiline = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "multiline");
-	const bool mask = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "mask");
+	const bool scrollbar = GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar");
+	const float buffer_zone = GetSetting<float>("buffer_zone");
+	const bool multiline = GetSetting<bool>("multiline");
+	const bool mask = GetSetting<bool>("mask");
 
 	if (scrollbar && multiline)
 		IGUIScrollBarOwner::Draw();
 
-	const CGUIColor& color = GUI<CGUIColor>::GetSetting(this, "textcolor");
-	const CGUIColor& color_selected = GUI<CGUIColor>::GetSetting(this, "textcolor_selected");
+	const CGUIColor& color = GetSetting<CGUIColor>("textcolor");
+	const CGUIColor& color_selected = GetSetting<CGUIColor>("textcolor_selected");
 
-	CStrIntern font_name(GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "font").ToUTF8());
+	CStrIntern font_name(GetSetting<CStrW>("font").ToUTF8());
 
-	const CStrW& pCaption = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "caption");
+	const CStrW& pCaption = GetSetting<CStrW>("caption");
 	wchar_t mask_char = L'*';
 	if (mask)
 	{
-		const CStrW& maskStr = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "mask_char");
+		const CStrW& maskStr = GetSetting<CStrW>("mask_char");
 
 		if (maskStr.length() > 0)
 			mask_char = maskStr[0];
 	}
 
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite");
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_selectarea = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite_selectarea");
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite");
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_selectarea = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite_selectarea");
 
-	const int cell_id = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "cell_id");
+	const int cell_id = GetSetting<i32>("cell_id");
 
 	m_pGUI.DrawSprite(sprite, cell_id, bz, m_CachedActualSize);
 
@@ -1490,16 +1490,16 @@ void CInput::Draw()
 
 void CInput::UpdateText(int from, int to_before, int to_after)
 {
-	const CStrW& caption = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "caption");
-	const float buffer_zone = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "buffer_zone");
-	const bool multiline = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "multiline");
-	const bool mask = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "mask");
-	CStrIntern font_name(GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "font").ToUTF8());
+	const CStrW& caption = GetSetting<CStrW>("caption");
+	const float buffer_zone = GetSetting<float>("buffer_zone");
+	const bool multiline = GetSetting<bool>("multiline");
+	const bool mask = GetSetting<bool>("mask");
+	CStrIntern font_name(GetSetting<CStrW>("font").ToUTF8());
 
 	wchar_t mask_char = L'*';
 	if (mask)
 	{
-		const CStrW& maskStr = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "mask_char");
+		const CStrW& maskStr = GetSetting<CStrW>("mask_char");
 		if (maskStr.length() > 0)
 			mask_char = maskStr[0];
 	}
@@ -1836,7 +1836,7 @@ void CInput::UpdateText(int from, int to_before, int to_after)
 	// add the final row (even if empty)
 	m_CharacterPositions.insert(current_line, row);
 
-	if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar"))
+	if (GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar"))
 	{
 		GetScrollBar(0).SetScrollRange(m_CharacterPositions.size() * font.GetLineSpacing() + buffer_zone*2.f);
 		GetScrollBar(0).SetScrollSpace(m_CachedActualSize.GetHeight());
@@ -1848,8 +1848,8 @@ int CInput::GetMouseHoveringTextPosition() const
 	if (m_CharacterPositions.empty())
 		return 0;
 
-	const float buffer_zone = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "buffer_zone");
-	const bool multiline = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "multiline");
+	const float buffer_zone = GetSetting<float>("buffer_zone");
+	const bool multiline = GetSetting<bool>("multiline");
 
 	// Return position
 	int retPosition;
@@ -1861,12 +1861,12 @@ int CInput::GetMouseHoveringTextPosition() const
 	if (multiline)
 	{
 		float scroll = 0.f;
-		if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar"))
+		if (GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar"))
 			scroll = GetScrollBarPos(0);
 
 		// Now get the height of the font.
 						// TODO: Get the real font
-		CFontMetrics font(CStrIntern(GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "font").ToUTF8()));
+		CFontMetrics font(CStrIntern(GetSetting<CStrW>("font").ToUTF8()));
 		float spacing = (float)font.GetLineSpacing();
 
 		// Change mouse position relative to text.
@@ -1943,7 +1943,7 @@ int CInput::GetXTextPosition(const std::list<SRow>::const_iterator& current, con
 
 void CInput::DeleteCurSelection()
 {
-	CStrW& pCaption = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "caption");
+	CStrW& pCaption = GetSetting<CStrW>("caption");
 
 	int virtualFrom;
 	int virtualTo;
@@ -1979,9 +1979,9 @@ bool CInput::SelectingText() const
 
 float CInput::GetTextAreaWidth()
 {
-	const float buffer_zone = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "buffer_zone");
+	const float buffer_zone = GetSetting<float>("buffer_zone");
 
-	if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar") && GetScrollBar(0).GetStyle())
+	if (GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar") && GetScrollBar(0).GetStyle())
 		return m_CachedActualSize.GetWidth() - buffer_zone*2.f - GetScrollBar(0).GetStyle()->m_Width;
 	else
 		return m_CachedActualSize.GetWidth() - buffer_zone*2.f;
@@ -1989,19 +1989,19 @@ float CInput::GetTextAreaWidth()
 
 void CInput::UpdateAutoScroll()
 {
-	const float buffer_zone = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "buffer_zone");
+	const float buffer_zone = GetSetting<float>("buffer_zone");
 
 	// Autoscrolling up and down
-	if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "multiline"))
+	if (GetSetting<bool>("multiline"))
 	{
-		if (!GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar"))
+		if (!GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar"))
 			return;
 
 		const float scroll = GetScrollBar(0).GetPos();
 
 		// Now get the height of the font.
 						// TODO: Get the real font
-		CFontMetrics font(CStrIntern(GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "font").ToUTF8()));
+		CFontMetrics font(CStrIntern(GetSetting<CStrW>("font").ToUTF8()));
 		float spacing = (float)font.GetLineSpacing();
 		//float height = font.GetHeight();
 
diff --git a/source/gui/CList.cpp b/source/gui/CList.cpp
index bb25d48175..e1259c8374 100644
--- a/source/gui/CList.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/CList.cpp
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ CList::~CList()
 void CList::SetupText()
 {
 	m_Modified = true;
-	const CGUIList& pList = GUI<CGUIList>::GetSetting(this, "list");
+	const CGUIList& pList = GetSetting<CGUIList>("list");
 
 	//ENSURE(m_GeneratedTexts.size()>=1);
 
@@ -81,16 +81,16 @@ void CList::SetupText()
 	//  continuously, or even often, so it'll probably be okay.
 	m_GeneratedTexts.clear();
 
-	const CStrW& font = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "font");
+	const CStrW& font = GetSetting<CStrW>("font");
 
-	const bool scrollbar = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar");
+	const bool scrollbar = GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar");
 
 	float width = GetListRect().GetWidth();
 	// remove scrollbar if applicable
 	if (scrollbar && GetScrollBar(0).GetStyle())
 		width -= GetScrollBar(0).GetStyle()->m_Width;
 
-	const float buffer_zone = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "buffer_zone");
+	const float buffer_zone = GetSetting<float>("buffer_zone");
 
 	// Generate texts
 	float buffered_y = 0.f;
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ void CList::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 		{
 			// TODO: Check range
 
-			if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "auto_scroll"))
+			if (GetSetting<bool>("auto_scroll"))
 				UpdateAutoScroll();
 
 			// TODO only works if lower-case, shouldn't it be made case sensitive instead?
@@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ void CList::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 		// Update scrollbar
 		if (Message.value == "scrollbar_style")
 		{
-			GetScrollBar(0).SetScrollBarStyle(GUI<CStr>::GetSetting(this, Message.value));
+			GetScrollBar(0).SetScrollBarStyle(GetSetting<CStr>(Message.value));
 			SetupText();
 		}
 
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ void CList::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 
 	case GUIM_MOUSE_PRESS_LEFT:
 	{
-		if (!GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "enabled"))
+		if (!GetSetting<bool>("enabled"))
 		{
 			PlaySound("sound_disabled");
 			break;
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ void CList::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 
 	case GUIM_MOUSE_LEAVE:
 	{
-		if (GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "hovered") == -1)
+		if (GetSetting<i32>("hovered") == -1)
 			break;
 
 		GUI<int>::SetSetting(this, "hovered", -1);
@@ -203,7 +203,7 @@ void CList::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 	case GUIM_MOUSE_OVER:
 	{
 		int hovered = GetHoveredItem();
-		if (hovered == GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "hovered"))
+		if (hovered == GetSetting<i32>("hovered"))
 			break;
 
 		GUI<int>::SetSetting(this, "hovered", hovered);
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ void CList::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 
 	case GUIM_LOAD:
 	{
-		GetScrollBar(0).SetScrollBarStyle(GUI<CStr>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar_style"));
+		GetScrollBar(0).SetScrollBarStyle(GetSetting<CStr>("scrollbar_style"));
 		break;
 	}
 
@@ -278,7 +278,7 @@ InReaction CList::ManuallyHandleEvent(const SDL_Event_* ev)
 
 void CList::Draw()
 {
-	DrawList(GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "selected"), "sprite", "sprite_selectarea", "textcolor");
+	DrawList(GetSetting<i32>("selected"), "sprite", "sprite_selectarea", "textcolor");
 }
 
 void CList::DrawList(const int& selected, const CStr& _sprite, const CStr& _sprite_selected, const CStr& _textcolor)
@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@ void CList::DrawList(const int& selected, const CStr& _sprite, const CStr& _spri
 	float bz = GetBufferedZ();
 
 	// First call draw on ScrollBarOwner
-	const bool scrollbar = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar");
+	const bool scrollbar = GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar");
 
 	if (scrollbar)
 		IGUIScrollBarOwner::Draw();
@@ -294,10 +294,10 @@ void CList::DrawList(const int& selected, const CStr& _sprite, const CStr& _spri
 	{
 		CRect rect = GetListRect();
 
-		CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, _sprite);
-		CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_selectarea = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, _sprite_selected);
+		CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>(_sprite);
+		CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_selectarea = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>(_sprite_selected);
 
-		const int cell_id = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "cell_id");
+		const int cell_id = GetSetting<i32>("cell_id");
 		m_pGUI.DrawSprite(sprite, cell_id, bz, rect);
 
 		float scroll = 0.f;
@@ -334,8 +334,8 @@ void CList::DrawList(const int& selected, const CStr& _sprite, const CStr& _spri
 			}
 		}
 
-		const CGUIList& pList = GUI<CGUIList>::GetSetting(this, "list");
-		const CGUIColor& color = GUI<CGUIColor>::GetSetting(this, _textcolor);
+		const CGUIList& pList = GetSetting<CGUIList>("list");
+		const CGUIColor& color = GetSetting<CGUIColor>(_textcolor);
 
 		for (size_t i = 0; i < pList.m_Items.size(); ++i)
 		{
@@ -368,12 +368,12 @@ void CList::AddItem(const CStrW& str, const CStrW& data)
 	gui_string.SetValue(str);
 
 	// Do not send a settings-changed message
-	CGUIList& pList = GUI<CGUIList>::GetSetting(this, "list");
+	CGUIList& pList = GetSetting<CGUIList>("list");
 	pList.m_Items.push_back(gui_string);
 
 	CGUIString data_string;
 	data_string.SetValue(data);
-	CGUIList& pListData = GUI<CGUIList>::GetSetting(this, "list_data");
+	CGUIList& pListData = GetSetting<CGUIList>("list_data");
 	pListData.m_Items.push_back(data_string);
 
 	// TODO Temp
@@ -395,9 +395,9 @@ bool CList::HandleAdditionalChildren(const XMBElement& child, CXeromyces* pFile)
 
 void CList::SelectNextElement()
 {
-	int selected = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "selected");
+	int selected = GetSetting<i32>("selected");
 
-	const CGUIList& pList = GUI<CGUIList>::GetSetting(this, "list");
+	const CGUIList& pList = GetSetting<CGUIList>("list");
 
 	if (selected != static_cast<int>(pList.m_Items.size()) - 1)
 	{
@@ -409,7 +409,7 @@ void CList::SelectNextElement()
 
 void CList::SelectPrevElement()
 {
-	int selected = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "selected");
+	int selected = GetSetting<i32>("selected");
 
 	if (selected > 0)
 	{
@@ -421,23 +421,23 @@ void CList::SelectPrevElement()
 
 void CList::SelectFirstElement()
 {
-	if (GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "selected") >= 0)
+	if (GetSetting<i32>("selected") >= 0)
 		GUI<int>::SetSetting(this, "selected", 0);
 }
 
 void CList::SelectLastElement()
 {
-	const CGUIList& pList = GUI<CGUIList>::GetSetting(this, "list");
+	const CGUIList& pList = GetSetting<CGUIList>("list");
 	const int index = static_cast<int>(pList.m_Items.size()) - 1;
 
-	if (GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "selected") != index)
+       if (GetSetting<i32>("selected") != index)
 		GUI<int>::SetSetting(this, "selected", index);
 }
 
 void CList::UpdateAutoScroll()
 {
-	const int selected = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "selected");
-	const bool scrollbar = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar");
+	const int selected = GetSetting<i32>("selected");
+	const bool scrollbar = GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar");
 
 	// No scrollbar, no scrolling (at least it's not made to work properly).
 	if (!scrollbar || selected < 0 || static_cast<std::size_t>(selected) >= m_ItemsYPositions.size())
@@ -461,7 +461,7 @@ void CList::UpdateAutoScroll()
 
 int CList::GetHoveredItem()
 {
-	const bool scrollbar = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar");
+	const bool scrollbar = GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar");
 	const float scroll = scrollbar ? GetScrollBar(0).GetPos() : 0.f;
 
 	const CRect& rect = GetListRect();
@@ -474,7 +474,7 @@ int CList::GetHoveredItem()
 	    mouse.x <= GetScrollBar(0).GetOuterRect().right)
 		return -1;
 
-	const CGUIList& pList = GUI<CGUIList>::GetSetting(this, "list");
+	const CGUIList& pList = GetSetting<CGUIList>("list");
 	for (size_t i = 0; i < pList.m_Items.size(); ++i)
 		if (mouse.y >= rect.top + m_ItemsYPositions[i] &&
 		    mouse.y < rect.top + m_ItemsYPositions[i + 1])
diff --git a/source/gui/COList.cpp b/source/gui/COList.cpp
index 2a40fecb6c..4d4fd6db69 100644
--- a/source/gui/COList.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/COList.cpp
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ COList::COList(CGUI& pGUI)
 
 void COList::SetupText()
 {
-	const CGUIList& pList = GUI<CGUIList>::GetSetting(this, "list");
+	const CGUIList& pList = GetSetting<CGUIList>("list");
 	m_ItemsYPositions.resize(pList.m_Items.size() + 1);
 
 	// Delete all generated texts. Some could probably be saved,
@@ -48,15 +48,15 @@ void COList::SetupText()
 	//  continuously, or even often, so it'll probably be okay.
 	m_GeneratedTexts.clear();
 
-	const CStrW& font = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "font");
-	const bool scrollbar = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar");
+	const CStrW& font = GetSetting<CStrW>("font");
+	const bool scrollbar = GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar");
 
 	m_TotalAvailableColumnWidth = GetListRect().GetWidth();
 	// remove scrollbar if applicable
 	if (scrollbar && GetScrollBar(0).GetStyle())
 		m_TotalAvailableColumnWidth -= GetScrollBar(0).GetStyle()->m_Width;
 
-	const float buffer_zone = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "buffer_zone");
+	const float buffer_zone = GetSetting<float>("buffer_zone");
 
 	m_HeadingHeight = SORT_SPRITE_DIM; // At least the size of the sorting sprite
 
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ void COList::SetupText()
 			if (column.m_Width > 0 && column.m_Width < 1)
 				width *= m_TotalAvailableColumnWidth;
 
-			CGUIList& pList_c = GUI<CGUIList>::GetSetting(this, "list_" + column.m_Id);
+			CGUIList& pList_c = GetSetting<CGUIList>("list_" + column.m_Id);
 			CGUIText* text;
 			if (!pList_c.m_Items[i].GetOriginalString().empty())
 				text = &AddText(pList_c.m_Items[i], font, width, buffer_zone, this);
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ void COList::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 	// If somebody clicks on the column heading
 	case GUIM_MOUSE_PRESS_LEFT:
 	{
-		if (!GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "sortable"))
+		if (!GetSetting<bool>("sortable"))
 			return;
 
 		const CPos& mouse = m_pGUI.GetMousePos();
@@ -139,13 +139,13 @@ void COList::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 			return;
 
 		// Copies, so that these settings are only modfied via SetSettings later.
-		CStr selectedColumn = GUI<CStr>::GetSetting(this, "selected_column");
-		int selectedColumnOrder = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "selected_column_order");
+		CStr selectedColumn = GetSetting<CStr>("selected_column");
+		int selectedColumnOrder = GetSetting<i32>("selected_column_order");
 
 		float xpos = 0;
 		for (const COListColumn& column : m_Columns)
 		{
-			if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "hidden_" + column.m_Id))
+			if (GetSetting<bool>("hidden_" + column.m_Id))
 				continue;
 
 			float width = column.m_Width;
@@ -286,17 +286,17 @@ bool COList::HandleAdditionalChildren(const XMBElement& child, CXeromyces* pFile
 void COList::DrawList(const int& selected, const CStr& _sprite, const CStr& _sprite_selected, const CStr& _textcolor)
 {
 	const float bz = GetBufferedZ();
-	const bool scrollbar = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar");
+	const bool scrollbar = GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar");
 
 	if (scrollbar)
 		IGUIScrollBarOwner::Draw();
 
 	CRect rect = GetListRect();
 
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, _sprite);
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_selectarea = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, _sprite_selected);
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>(_sprite);
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_selectarea = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>(_sprite_selected);
 
-	const int cell_id = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "cell_id");
+	const int cell_id = GetSetting<i32>("cell_id");
 
 	m_pGUI.DrawSprite(sprite, cell_id, bz, rect);
 
@@ -339,21 +339,21 @@ void COList::DrawList(const int& selected, const CStr& _sprite, const CStr& _spr
 	}
 
 	// Draw line above column header
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_heading = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite_heading");
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_heading = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite_heading");
 	CRect rect_head(m_CachedActualSize.left, m_CachedActualSize.top, m_CachedActualSize.right,
 									m_CachedActualSize.top + m_HeadingHeight);
 	m_pGUI.DrawSprite(sprite_heading, cell_id, bz, rect_head);
 
 	// Draw column headers
-	const bool sortable = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "sortable");
-	const CStr& selectedColumn = GUI<CStr>::GetSetting(this, "selected_column");
-	const int selectedColumnOrder = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "selected_column_order");
-	const CGUIColor& color = GUI<CGUIColor>::GetSetting(this, _textcolor);
+	const bool sortable = GetSetting<bool>("sortable");
+	const CStr& selectedColumn = GetSetting<CStr>("selected_column");
+	const int selectedColumnOrder = GetSetting<i32>("selected_column_order");
+	const CGUIColor& color = GetSetting<CGUIColor>(_textcolor);
 
 	float xpos = 0;
 	for (size_t col = 0; col < m_Columns.size(); ++col)
 	{
-		if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "hidden_" + m_Columns[col].m_Id))
+		if (GetSetting<bool>("hidden_" + m_Columns[col].m_Id))
 			continue;
 
 		// Check if it's a decimal value, and if so, assume relative positioning.
@@ -380,7 +380,7 @@ void COList::DrawList(const int& selected, const CStr& _sprite, const CStr& _spr
 			else
 				spriteName = "sprite_not_sorted";
 
-			CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, spriteName);
+			CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>(spriteName);
 			m_pGUI.DrawSprite(sprite, cell_id, bz + 0.1f, CRect(leftTopCorner + CPos(width - SORT_SPRITE_DIM, 0), leftTopCorner + CPos(width, SORT_SPRITE_DIM)));
 		}
 
@@ -390,7 +390,7 @@ void COList::DrawList(const int& selected, const CStr& _sprite, const CStr& _spr
 	}
 
 	// Draw list items for each column
-	const CGUIList& pList = GUI<CGUIList>::GetSetting(this, "list");
+	const CGUIList& pList = GetSetting<CGUIList>("list");
 	const size_t objectsCount = m_Columns.size();
 	for (size_t i = 0; i < pList.m_Items.size(); ++i)
 	{
@@ -418,7 +418,7 @@ void COList::DrawList(const int& selected, const CStr& _sprite, const CStr& _spr
 		xpos = 0;
 		for (size_t col = 0; col < objectsCount; ++col)
 		{
-			if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "hidden_" + m_Columns[col].m_Id))
+			if (GetSetting<bool>("hidden_" + m_Columns[col].m_Id))
 				continue;
 
 			// Determine text position and width
diff --git a/source/gui/CProgressBar.cpp b/source/gui/CProgressBar.cpp
index a6fbc0f5d9..9298003eb2 100644
--- a/source/gui/CProgressBar.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/CProgressBar.cpp
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ void CProgressBar::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 		// TODO Gee: (2004-09-01) Is this really updated each time it should?
 		if (Message.value == CStr("caption"))
 		{
-			const float value = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "caption");
+			const float value = GetSetting<float>("caption");
 			if (value > 100.f)
 				GUI<float>::SetSetting(this, "caption", 100.f);
 			else if (value < 0.f)
@@ -62,13 +62,13 @@ void CProgressBar::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 
 void CProgressBar::Draw()
 {
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_bar = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite_bar");
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_background = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite_background");
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_bar = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite_bar");
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_background = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite_background");
 
 	float bz = GetBufferedZ();
 
 	int cell_id = 0;
-	const float value = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "caption");
+	const float value = GetSetting<float>("caption");
 
 	m_pGUI.DrawSprite(sprite_background, cell_id, bz, m_CachedActualSize);
 
diff --git a/source/gui/CSlider.cpp b/source/gui/CSlider.cpp
index 3101614e60..d5fcec6abc 100644
--- a/source/gui/CSlider.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/CSlider.cpp
@@ -32,10 +32,10 @@ CSlider::CSlider(CGUI& pGUI)
 	AddSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite_bar");
 	AddSetting<float>("button_width");
 
-	m_Value = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "value");
-	m_MinValue = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "min_value");
-	m_MaxValue = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "max_value");
-	m_ButtonSide = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "button_width");
+	m_Value = GetSetting<float>("value");
+	m_MinValue = GetSetting<float>("min_value");
+	m_MaxValue = GetSetting<float>("max_value");
+	m_ButtonSide = GetSetting<float>("button_width");
 
 	m_Value = Clamp(m_Value, m_MinValue, m_MaxValue);
 }
@@ -61,10 +61,10 @@ void CSlider::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 	{
 	case GUIM_SETTINGS_UPDATED:
 	{
-		m_Value = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "value");
-		m_MinValue = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "min_value");
-		m_MaxValue = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "max_value");
-		m_ButtonSide = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "button_width");
+		m_Value = GetSetting<float>("value");
+		m_MinValue = GetSetting<float>("min_value");
+		m_MaxValue = GetSetting<float>("max_value");
+		m_ButtonSide = GetSetting<float>("button_width");
 
 		m_Value = Clamp(m_Value, m_MinValue, m_MaxValue);
 		break;
@@ -115,9 +115,9 @@ void CSlider::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 
 void CSlider::Draw()
 {
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite_bar");
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_button = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite");
-	const int cell_id = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "cell_id");
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite_bar");
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_button = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite");
+	const int cell_id = GetSetting<i32>("cell_id");
 
 	CRect slider_line(m_CachedActualSize);
 	slider_line.left += m_ButtonSide / 2.0f;
diff --git a/source/gui/CText.cpp b/source/gui/CText.cpp
index de651af556..79dead3281 100644
--- a/source/gui/CText.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/CText.cpp
@@ -69,16 +69,16 @@ void CText::SetupText()
 	if (m_GeneratedTexts.empty())
 		return;
 
-	const bool scrollbar = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar");
+	const bool scrollbar = GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar");
 
 	float width = m_CachedActualSize.GetWidth();
 	// remove scrollbar if applicable
 	if (scrollbar && GetScrollBar(0).GetStyle())
 		width -= GetScrollBar(0).GetStyle()->m_Width;
 
-	const CGUIString& caption = GUI<CGUIString>::GetSetting(this, "caption");
-	const CStrW& font = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "font");
-	const float buffer_zone = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "buffer_zone");
+	const CGUIString& caption = GetSetting<CGUIString>("caption");
+	const CStrW& font = GetSetting<CStrW>("font");
+	const float buffer_zone = GetSetting<float>("buffer_zone");
 
 	m_GeneratedTexts[0] = CGUIText(m_pGUI, caption, font, width, buffer_zone, this);
 
@@ -88,8 +88,8 @@ void CText::SetupText()
 	// Setup scrollbar
 	if (scrollbar)
 	{
-		const bool scroll_bottom = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scroll_bottom");
-		const bool scroll_top = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scroll_top");
+		const bool scroll_bottom = GetSetting<bool>("scroll_bottom");
+		const bool scroll_top = GetSetting<bool>("scroll_top");
 
 		// If we are currently scrolled to the bottom of the text,
 		// then add more lines of text, update the scrollbar so we
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ void CText::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 		// Update scrollbar
 		if (Message.value == "scrollbar_style")
 		{
-			GetScrollBar(0).SetScrollBarStyle(GUI<CStr>::GetSetting(this, Message.value));
+			GetScrollBar(0).SetScrollBarStyle(GetSetting<CStr>(Message.value));
 			SetupText();
 		}
 
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ void CText::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 		GetScrollBar(0).SetY(m_CachedActualSize.top);
 		GetScrollBar(0).SetZ(GetBufferedZ());
 		GetScrollBar(0).SetLength(m_CachedActualSize.bottom - m_CachedActualSize.top);
-		GetScrollBar(0).SetScrollBarStyle(GUI<CStr>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar_style"));
+		GetScrollBar(0).SetScrollBarStyle(GetSetting<CStr>("scrollbar_style"));
 		break;
 	}
 
@@ -173,14 +173,14 @@ void CText::Draw()
 {
 	float bz = GetBufferedZ();
 
-	const bool scrollbar = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "scrollbar");
+	const bool scrollbar = GetSetting<bool>("scrollbar");
 
 	if (scrollbar)
 		IGUIScrollBarOwner::Draw();
 
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite");
-	const int cell_id = GUI<int>::GetSetting(this, "cell_id");
-	const bool clip = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "clip");
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite");
+	const int cell_id = GetSetting<i32>("cell_id");
+	const bool clip = GetSetting<bool>("clip");
 
 	m_pGUI.DrawSprite(sprite, cell_id, bz, m_CachedActualSize);
 
@@ -207,8 +207,8 @@ void CText::Draw()
 		}
 	}
 
-	const bool enabled = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "enabled");
-	const CGUIColor& color = GUI<CGUIColor>::GetSetting(this, enabled ? "textcolor" : "textcolor_disabled");
+	const bool enabled = GetSetting<bool>("enabled");
+	const CGUIColor& color = GetSetting<CGUIColor>(enabled ? "textcolor" : "textcolor_disabled");
 
 	if (scrollbar)
 		DrawText(0, color, m_CachedActualSize.TopLeft() - CPos(0.f, scroll), bz + 0.1f, cliparea);
diff --git a/source/gui/CTooltip.cpp b/source/gui/CTooltip.cpp
index 76296ccdec..4db2aa9108 100644
--- a/source/gui/CTooltip.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/CTooltip.cpp
@@ -65,20 +65,20 @@ void CTooltip::SetupText()
 {
 	ENSURE(m_GeneratedTexts.size() == 1);
 
-	const CGUIString& caption = GUI<CGUIString>::GetSetting(this, "caption");
-	const CStrW& font = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, "font");
-	const float max_width = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "maxwidth");
-	const float buffer_zone = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "buffer_zone");
+	const CGUIString& caption = GetSetting<CGUIString>("caption");
+	const CStrW& font = GetSetting<CStrW>("font");
+	const float max_width = GetSetting<float>("maxwidth");
+	const float buffer_zone = GetSetting<float>("buffer_zone");
 
 	m_GeneratedTexts[0] = CGUIText(m_pGUI, caption, font, max_width, buffer_zone, this);
 
 	// Position the tooltip relative to the mouse:
 
-	const CPos& mousepos = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "independent") ?
+	const CPos& mousepos = GetSetting<bool>("independent") ?
 		m_pGUI.GetMousePos() :
-		GUI<CPos>::GetSetting(this, "_mousepos");
+		GetSetting<CPos>("_mousepos");
 
-	const CPos& offset = GUI<CPos>::GetSetting(this, "offset");
+	const CPos& offset = GetSetting<CPos>("offset");
 
 	float textwidth = m_GeneratedTexts[0].GetSize().cx;
 	float textheight = m_GeneratedTexts[0].GetSize().cy;
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ void CTooltip::SetupText()
 	size.pixel.left = mousepos.x + offset.x;
 	size.pixel.right = size.pixel.left + textwidth;
 
-	switch (GUI<EVAlign>::GetSetting(this, "anchor"))
+	switch (GetSetting<EVAlign>("anchor"))
 	{
 	case EVAlign_Top:
 		size.pixel.top = mousepos.y + offset.y;
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ void CTooltip::Draw()
 {
 	float z = 900.f; // TODO: Find a nicer way of putting the tooltip on top of everything else
 
-	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GUI<CGUISpriteInstance>::GetSetting(this, "sprite");
+	CGUISpriteInstance& sprite = GetSetting<CGUISpriteInstance>("sprite");
 
 	// Normally IGUITextOwner will handle this updating but since SetupText can modify the position
 	// we need to call it now *before* we do the rest of the drawing
@@ -147,6 +147,6 @@ void CTooltip::Draw()
 
 	m_pGUI.DrawSprite(sprite, 0, z, m_CachedActualSize);
 
-	const CGUIColor& color = GUI<CGUIColor>::GetSetting(this, "textcolor");
+	const CGUIColor& color = GetSetting<CGUIColor>("textcolor");
 	DrawText(0, color, m_CachedActualSize.TopLeft(), z+0.1f);
 }
diff --git a/source/gui/GUITooltip.cpp b/source/gui/GUITooltip.cpp
index 54baeb1fc5..158fc96c84 100644
--- a/source/gui/GUITooltip.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/GUITooltip.cpp
@@ -87,8 +87,8 @@ bool GUITooltip::GetTooltip(IGUIObject* obj, CStr& style)
 {
 	if (obj && obj->SettingExists("_icon_tooltip_style") && obj->MouseOverIcon())
 	{
-		style = GUI<CStr>::GetSetting(obj, "_icon_tooltip_style");
-		if (!GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(obj, "_icon_tooltip").empty())
+		style = obj->GetSetting<CStr>("_icon_tooltip_style");
+		if (!obj->GetSetting<CStrW>("_icon_tooltip").empty())
 		{
 			if (style.empty())
 				style = "default";
@@ -99,8 +99,8 @@ bool GUITooltip::GetTooltip(IGUIObject* obj, CStr& style)
 
 	if (obj && obj->SettingExists("tooltip_style"))
 	{
-		style = GUI<CStr>::GetSetting(obj, "tooltip_style");
-		if (!GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(obj, "tooltip").empty())
+		style = obj->GetSetting<CStr>("tooltip_style");
+		if (!obj->GetSetting<CStrW>("tooltip").empty())
 		{
 			if (style.empty())
 				style = "default";
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ void GUITooltip::ShowTooltip(IGUIObject* obj, const CPos& pos, const CStr& style
 
 	IGUIObject* usedobj = tooltipobj; // object actually used to display the tooltip in
 
-	const CStr& usedObjectName = GUI<CStr>::GetSetting(tooltipobj, "use_object");
+	const CStr& usedObjectName = tooltipobj->GetSetting<CStr>("use_object");
 	if (!usedObjectName.empty())
 	{
 		usedobj = pGUI.FindObjectByName(usedObjectName);
@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ void GUITooltip::ShowTooltip(IGUIObject* obj, const CPos& pos, const CStr& style
 
 	GUI<bool>::SetSetting(usedobj, "hidden", false);
 
-	const CStrW& text = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(obj, m_IsIconTooltip ? "_icon_tooltip" : "tooltip");
+       const CStrW& text = obj->GetSetting<CStrW>(m_IsIconTooltip ? "_icon_tooltip" : "tooltip");
 
 	if (usedobj->SetSetting("caption", text) != PSRETURN_OK)
 		debug_warn(L"Failed to set tooltip caption");
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ void GUITooltip::HideTooltip(const CStr& style, CGUI& pGUI)
 		return;
 	}
 
-	const CStr& usedObjectName = GUI<CStr>::GetSetting(tooltipobj, "use_object");
+	const CStr& usedObjectName = tooltipobj->GetSetting<CStr>("use_object");
 	if (!usedObjectName.empty())
 	{
 		IGUIObject* usedobj = pGUI.FindObjectByName(usedObjectName);
@@ -178,14 +178,14 @@ void GUITooltip::HideTooltip(const CStr& style, CGUI& pGUI)
 		SGUIMessage msg(GUIM_SETTINGS_UPDATED, "caption");
 		usedobj->HandleMessage(msg);
 
-		if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(tooltipobj, "hide_object"))
+               if (tooltipobj->GetSetting<bool>("hide_object"))
 			GUI<bool>::SetSetting(usedobj, "hidden", true);
 	}
 	else
 		GUI<bool>::SetSetting(tooltipobj, "hidden", true);
 }
 
-static int GetTooltipDelay(const CStr& style, CGUI& pGUI)
+static i32 GetTooltipDelay(const CStr& style, CGUI& pGUI)
 {
 	IGUIObject* tooltipobj = pGUI.FindObjectByName("__tooltip_" + style);
 
@@ -195,7 +195,7 @@ static int GetTooltipDelay(const CStr& style, CGUI& pGUI)
 		return 500;
 	}
 
-	return GUI<int>::GetSetting(tooltipobj, "delay");
+	return tooltipobj->GetSetting<i32>("delay");
 }
 
 void GUITooltip::Update(IGUIObject* Nearest, const CPos& MousePos, CGUI& GUI)
diff --git a/source/gui/GUIutil.cpp b/source/gui/GUIutil.cpp
index d77a11c8df..14cd673ab5 100644
--- a/source/gui/GUIutil.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/GUIutil.cpp
@@ -80,12 +80,6 @@ void CGUISetting<T>::ToJSVal(JSContext* cx, JS::MutableHandleValue Value)
 	ScriptInterface::ToJSVal<T>(cx, Value, m_pSetting);
 };
 
-template <typename T>
-T& GUI<T>::GetSetting(const IGUIObject* pObject, const CStr& Setting)
-{
-	return static_cast<CGUISetting<T>* >(pObject->m_Settings.at(Setting))->m_pSetting;
-}
-
 template <typename T>
 PSRETURN GUI<T>::SetSetting(IGUIObject* pObject, const CStr& Setting, T& Value, const bool& SkipMessage)
 {
@@ -129,7 +123,7 @@ PSRETURN GUI<T>::SetSettingWrap(IGUIObject* pObject, const CStr& Setting, const
 	else if (Setting == "hidden")
 	{
 		// Hiding an object requires us to reset it and all children
-		if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(pObject, Setting))
+		if (pObject->GetSetting<bool>(Setting))
 			pObject->RecurseObject(nullptr, &IGUIObject::ResetStates);
 	}
 
@@ -145,7 +139,6 @@ PSRETURN GUI<T>::SetSettingWrap(IGUIObject* pObject, const CStr& Setting, const
 // Instantiate templated functions:
 // These functions avoid copies by working with a reference and move semantics.
 #define TYPE(T) \
-	template T& GUI<T>::GetSetting(const IGUIObject* pObject, const CStr& Setting); \
 	template PSRETURN GUI<T>::SetSetting(IGUIObject* pObject, const CStr& Setting, T& Value, const bool& SkipMessage); \
 	template class CGUISetting<T>; \
 
diff --git a/source/gui/GUIutil.h b/source/gui/GUIutil.h
index 4032621098..fd6c657fd8 100644
--- a/source/gui/GUIutil.h
+++ b/source/gui/GUIutil.h
@@ -79,7 +79,9 @@ public:
 	 */
 	void ToJSVal(JSContext* cx, JS::MutableHandleValue Value) override;
 
-private:
+	/**
+	 * These members are public because they are either unmodifiable or free to be modified.
+	 */
 
 	/**
 	 * The object that stores this setting.
@@ -92,7 +94,7 @@ private:
 	const CStr m_Name;
 
 	/**
-	 * Holds the value of the setting..
+	 * Holds the value of the setting.
 	 */
 	T m_pSetting;
 };
@@ -107,15 +109,6 @@ class GUI
 public:
 	NONCOPYABLE(GUI);
 
-	/**
-	 * Get a mutable reference to the setting.
-	 * If no such setting exists, an exception of type std::out_of_range is thrown.
-	 * Use SettingExists if a safeguard is needed.
-	 *
-	 * If the value is modified, there is no GUIM_SETTINGS_UPDATED message sent.
-	 * SetSetting should be used to modify the value if there is a use for the message.
-	 */
-	static T& GetSetting(const IGUIObject* pObject, const CStr& Setting);
 
 	/**
 	 * Sets a value by name using a real datatype as input.
diff --git a/source/gui/IGUIButtonBehavior.cpp b/source/gui/IGUIButtonBehavior.cpp
index 8f43f3aa29..63ce70e1d1 100644
--- a/source/gui/IGUIButtonBehavior.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/IGUIButtonBehavior.cpp
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ IGUIButtonBehavior::~IGUIButtonBehavior()
 
 void IGUIButtonBehavior::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 {
-	const bool enabled = GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "enabled");
+	const bool enabled = GetSetting<bool>("enabled");
 
 	CStrW soundPath;
 	// TODO Gee: easier access functions
@@ -121,17 +121,17 @@ void IGUIButtonBehavior::HandleMessage(SGUIMessage& Message)
 const CGUIColor& IGUIButtonBehavior::ChooseColor()
 {
 	// Yes, the object must possess these settings. They are standard
-	const CGUIColor& color = GUI<CGUIColor>::GetSetting(this, "textcolor");
+	const CGUIColor& color = GetSetting<CGUIColor>("textcolor");
 
-	if (!GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "enabled"))
-		return GUI<CGUIColor>::GetSetting(this, "textcolor_disabled") || color;
+	if (!GetSetting<bool>("enabled"))
+		return GetSetting<CGUIColor>("textcolor_disabled") || color;
 
 	if (m_MouseHovering)
 	{
 		if (m_Pressed)
-			return GUI<CGUIColor>::GetSetting(this, "textcolor_pressed") || color;
+			return GetSetting<CGUIColor>("textcolor_pressed") || color;
 		else
-			return GUI<CGUIColor>::GetSetting(this, "textcolor_over") || color;
+			return GetSetting<CGUIColor>("textcolor_over") || color;
 	}
 
 	return color;
@@ -139,7 +139,7 @@ const CGUIColor& IGUIButtonBehavior::ChooseColor()
 
 void IGUIButtonBehavior::DrawButton(const CRect& rect, const float& z, CGUISpriteInstance& sprite, CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_over, CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_pressed, CGUISpriteInstance& sprite_disabled, int cell_id)
 {
-	if (!GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "enabled"))
+	if (!GetSetting<bool>("enabled"))
 		m_pGUI.DrawSprite(sprite_disabled || sprite, cell_id, z, rect);
 	else if (m_MouseHovering)
 	{
diff --git a/source/gui/IGUIObject.cpp b/source/gui/IGUIObject.cpp
index adab56727e..e9d34a677c 100644
--- a/source/gui/IGUIObject.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/IGUIObject.cpp
@@ -128,6 +128,23 @@ void IGUIObject::AddSetting(const CStr& Name)
 	m_Settings[Name] = new CGUISetting<T>(*this, Name);
 }
 
+bool IGUIObject::SettingExists(const CStr& Setting) const
+{
+	return m_Settings.count(Setting) == 1;
+}
+
+template <typename T>
+T& IGUIObject::GetSetting(const CStr& Setting)
+{
+	return static_cast<CGUISetting<T>* >(m_Settings.at(Setting))->m_pSetting;
+}
+
+template <typename T>
+const T& IGUIObject::GetSetting(const CStr& Setting) const
+{
+	return static_cast<CGUISetting<T>* >(m_Settings.at(Setting))->m_pSetting;
+}
+
 bool IGUIObject::IsMouseOver() const
 {
 	return m_CachedActualSize.PointInside(m_pGUI.GetMousePos());
@@ -159,11 +176,6 @@ void IGUIObject::UpdateMouseOver(IGUIObject* const& pMouseOver)
 	}
 }
 
-bool IGUIObject::SettingExists(const CStr& Setting) const
-{
-	return m_Settings.count(Setting) == 1;
-}
-
 PSRETURN IGUIObject::SetSetting(const CStr& Setting, const CStrW& Value, const bool& SkipMessage)
 {
 	if (!SettingExists(Setting))
@@ -216,13 +228,13 @@ void IGUIObject::ResetStates()
 
 void IGUIObject::UpdateCachedSize()
 {
-	const CClientArea& ca = GUI<CClientArea>::GetSetting(this, "size");
-	const float aspectratio = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "aspectratio");
+	const CClientArea& ca = GetSetting<CClientArea>("size");
+	const float aspectratio = GetSetting<float>("aspectratio");
 
 	// If absolute="false" and the object has got a parent,
 	//  use its cached size instead of the screen. Notice
 	//  it must have just been cached for it to work.
-	if (!GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "absolute") && m_pParent && !IsRootObject())
+	if (!GetSetting<bool>("absolute") && m_pParent && !IsRootObject())
 		m_CachedActualSize = ca.GetClientArea(m_pParent->m_CachedActualSize);
 	else
 		m_CachedActualSize = ca.GetClientArea(CRect(0.f, 0.f, g_xres / g_GuiScale, g_yres / g_GuiScale));
@@ -274,9 +286,9 @@ void IGUIObject::LoadStyle(const SGUIStyle& Style)
 
 float IGUIObject::GetBufferedZ() const
 {
-	const float Z = GUI<float>::GetSetting(this, "z");
+	const float Z = GetSetting<float>("z");
 
-	if (GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, "absolute"))
+	if (GetSetting<bool>("absolute"))
 		return Z;
 
 	{
@@ -421,13 +433,13 @@ bool IGUIObject::IsHidden() const
 	// Statically initialise some strings, so we don't have to do
 	// lots of allocation every time this function is called
 	static const CStr strHidden("hidden");
-	return GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, strHidden);
+	return GetSetting<bool>(strHidden);
 }
 
 bool IGUIObject::IsHiddenOrGhost() const
 {
 	static const CStr strGhost("ghost");
-	return IsHidden() || GUI<bool>::GetSetting(this, strGhost);
+	return IsHidden() || GetSetting<bool>(strGhost);
 }
 
 void IGUIObject::PlaySound(const CStr& settingName) const
@@ -435,7 +447,7 @@ void IGUIObject::PlaySound(const CStr& settingName) const
 	if (!g_SoundManager)
 		return;
 
-	const CStrW& soundPath = GUI<CStrW>::GetSetting(this, settingName);
+	const CStrW& soundPath = GetSetting<CStrW>(settingName);
 
 	if (!soundPath.empty())
 		g_SoundManager->PlayAsUI(soundPath.c_str(), false);
@@ -478,6 +490,11 @@ void IGUIObject::TraceMember(JSTracer* trc)
 }
 
 // Instantiate templated functions:
-#define TYPE(T) template void IGUIObject::AddSetting<T>(const CStr& Name);
-#include "GUItypes.h"
+#define TYPE(T) \
+	template void IGUIObject::AddSetting<T>(const CStr& Name); \
+	template T& IGUIObject::GetSetting<T>(const CStr& Setting); \
+	template const T& IGUIObject::GetSetting<T>(const CStr& Setting) const; \
+
+#include "gui/GUItypes.h"
+
 #undef TYPE
diff --git a/source/gui/IGUIObject.h b/source/gui/IGUIObject.h
index d0efae63ca..357c347eb7 100644
--- a/source/gui/IGUIObject.h
+++ b/source/gui/IGUIObject.h
@@ -148,6 +148,17 @@ public:
 	 */
 	bool SettingExists(const CStr& Setting) const;
 
+	/**
+	 * Get a mutable reference to the setting.
+	 * If no such setting exists, an exception of type std::out_of_range is thrown.
+	 * If the value is modified, there is no GUIM_SETTINGS_UPDATED message sent.
+	 */
+	template <typename T>
+	T& GetSetting(const CStr& Setting);
+
+	template <typename T>
+	const T& GetSetting(const CStr& Setting) const;
+
 	/**
 	 * Returns whether this is object is set to be hidden.
 	 */
diff --git a/source/gui/IGUITextOwner.cpp b/source/gui/IGUITextOwner.cpp
index c678d08a28..bb0d348ec2 100644
--- a/source/gui/IGUITextOwner.cpp
+++ b/source/gui/IGUITextOwner.cpp
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ void IGUITextOwner::CalculateTextPosition(CRect& ObjSize, CPos& TextPos, CGUITex
 	// loop through all of the TextCall objects again.
 	TextPos.x = ObjSize.left;
 
-	switch (GUI<EVAlign>::GetSetting(this, "text_valign"))
+	switch (GetSetting<EVAlign>("text_valign"))
 	{
 	case EVAlign_Top:
 		TextPos.y = ObjSize.top;