I use TSF Shell and I LOVE IT!! Have used it exclusively for years as I don't feel any need to change and they are constantly adding something new.
Whenever people are on the fence about Android, I show them what my phone is capable of. You can literally customize anything with TSF, with the added benefits of multiple 3D transitions, even including a slide out bar on the side as well as an adjustable dock wherever you want it.
The only reason it's 4/5 in the market is because it was buggy and lacking a lot of stuff when released about 2 years ago. They released it in beta, which I will never understand. I guess because demand was so high after their CES unveil video. Ever since then every update has made it better and better. It's pricey, I won't lie, but I do not regret a single cent, whereas I have several $2.99 apps I do...
As for free launchers, I used GoLauncher for years before TSF and loved it as well, but that was also before Nova, which I'm hearing is the best on the market right now. Now there was a 1 week period after a TSF update that had some bugs, so I decided to try something else and installed Smart Launcher 2, which is basically the opposite of TSF in that it's straightforward and simple, no bells and whistles, just gets the job done. And I have to say I really liked it. After doing so much with TSF over these years it was a whole new world using Smart Launcher. But it is INCREDIBLY efficient. So should I be unable to use TSF for whatever reason, that's where I'm going.
I'd say try them all. After all you are stuck with this phone for 2 years, so theres plenty of time! Personally I really enjoy setting up my phone from scratch, it'll also give you an idea of how efficient that launcher is with adding/arranging things.
