Hi Marc,
I couldn't figure a way to assign the front dial to set ISO. It seems that it is hard wired to aperture/shutter (or Auto-ISO if you press the ISO button). The closest work around I could find is to set custom function f10 to YES. This allows you to press and release the ISO button and adjust ISO with the main dial (without having to hold down the ISO button). A second tap of the ISO button or a half-press of the shutter release puts you back into shooting mode. Although not what you are looking for, this may be a faster/more efficient way to adjust ISO.
Dunno about the non-cpu lens part of your question - not sure I understand it. The setting in the camera only provides the camera with the right values for EXIF and can improve metering, really. The meter will still measure the light of the aperture you set on the lens.
If I've missed something I'll be watching here to find out!
Stephen