is there really no preset button or shortcut to record moving light presets on the Element?

There is and you can, but first some questions. Element classic or Element 2? And software version? Other than Int Palletes which get a control panel button you want to look for ML Controls or Direct Selects. 

It’s an Element Classic, running V2.4.0.9.0.53.

Were definitely due for an update to this system!

I don't think the version you've posted is your Eos software version. Please check again using About with an empty command line.

To use presets on an Element you'd need at least 2.6, since that's when Element learnt what presets are.

Starting in 2.6 you can use [Shift] & [Int Palette] to write Preset to the command line.

that explains it. we’re running 2.4.1. we’ll do some updating and bring ourselves a little more into the 21st century!