Does btc-e require verification for coin to USD conversion I know that btc-e requires verification to withdrawal USD, 
but do they require verification to convert to USD and let sit until I want to trade it for other coins?

Again.. NO usd withrawal. only BTC->USD -- USD->BTC/LTC/etc
I use them for my primary exchange. You can sell BTC/LTC/etc. for USD and hold the USD in your account without verification. As far as I can tell, there is no verification process nor a way to withdraw USD other than as a BTC-E credit. In my experience, you're better off finding a reliable third party that specializes in buying BTC when you are ready to cash out.