search,query replace UI Question

[Sivaram N<sivaram.neelakandanATwipro.com>]

Hello,
I've been using emacs for 6 months and i have a question regarding the above
actions.
C-s  followed by C-w(s) get the word(s) at point into the search buffer.
Why doesn't the same thing happen when I do M-%,followed by C-w?
Wouldn't that be more consistent?
Usually(I said usually), search is followed by replace,people take a quick look
at what they
want to replace & then invoke replace. So, most other editors have the
search&replace  
within a single dialog with the prior search string in it already OR within a
drop down list.
So,the search action is not repeated and the replace can happen pronto.

While I'm not asking for the same bells & whistles,why is it that it's so easy
to search while
I'll have to type it for replace? If I've missed an easy way to get strings into
query-replace,
do Tell.
regards,
Sivaram