I kind of doubt they would get rid of this function, as it is part of the usefulness of the column pane. Another way I use this is to first select whatever rows I need (either to copy / paste, or maybe tables->subset a subset of rows and columns), and then use the column filter at the top of column pane to filter on and select my subset of columns. Now that my rows and columns are selected, I then hit 'tab' twice to bring focus over to the data pane. Then I can hit ctrl+C (copy data) or ctrl+shift+C (copy data with column names) and then paste them wherever they are going. Or tables->subset if using that feature.
People may not be aware so I'll post the corresponding paste functions:
If pasting to Excel, simple ctrl+V (or regular paste) will work regardless of whether you have previously copied only data or data + columns.
If pasting to a JMP table, ctrl+V will paste the data. ctrl+shift+V will paste the data+column names. Choose based on how you copied the data. It's straightforward if you are pasting into a new / empty table. If you are pasting into a table and have already selected columns and rows in the destination table of where you want the pasted data to go... well, just make sure your row / column selections are 100% correct, and check it after.
