Folders also help speed things up if you want to move a lot of icons from one screen to another. Create a folder on the screen with the icons, drag each icon into it and then you only have to drag one icon to the new screen. Then drag the icons out of the folder. Could save valuable seconds.
An alternative to folders (which I do use) is Launcher Dock (I've attached it's QRcode). It's an Android widget that takes up one cell space but when you click on it opens up to show 8 icons. You can attach apps, contacts and bookmarks. Right now it's a little jumpy, but I'm sure the creator is working on it.
If customisation is anal then I'm one big a-hole. I just created and ordered a customised vinyl skin from Unique Skins.
I love this stuff! Maybe it's my Capricorn sense of order, as my husband says ... or my tiny drop of German blood... I should have been a professional organizer - but I would drive myself crazy, probably! Now I must go look at Launcher Dock! :icon_ banana: