I have been researching this problem I'm facing all morning.
I figure it is either very complicated or way to simple and I'm not seeing it.
I want to change the default appearance of the Topo North Arrow element and the US National Grid Reference Box element.
I know I can convert to graphic, but I would like to keep it dynamic.
All I have found in my research, was the 9.2 old dialog box, where the color could be change.
Moderator please move this post if it's in the wrong location.