How do I keep photo downloader CS5 open until I select to close it?

Photo downloader closes every time I do an import.

It is designed to do so

This is a time waster & annoyance because I may have to change the settings numerous times to import all the photos on a card

I don't quite understand why you should fill in settings for each session, usually I have set to rename with date shot in front and a sequence number. My choice is all in one default folder so no auto subfolders but feel free to do otherwise.

I also have set 1 default copyright metadata template that adds during ingestion.

It's forcing me to restart the app in order to import with new settings.

Usually it reappears with the same settings as you left it, only the sequence has added 1 to its series as you should expect it to do.

But I think Bridge itself is a far better place to add specific metadata and specific batch renaming. Once the thumbs have build you can select as many as you want and add the specific Metadata or batch rename to the selected files, the are in a comfortable overview in the content window.

There's got to be a way to keep this app open until I close it.  How do you make it stay open?

You can't, the only 'timesaver' could be to once when having the app open go to the dock icon and with right mouse click chose options and stay permanent in  the dock. Now you only have to click on the icon to start the app. However, it keeps starting to look for connected sources and previews. Best to ingest the content in one time from the CF card and manage the rest in Bridge that is designed to do so