Have you tried AMP recently? I don't know if it's ever changed, I'm just asking because I find its UI much more straight forward than Apple's iPod UI. There are a few fixes and alterations needed, but whereas Apple will *never* listen to feedback from a single contributor, I believe the people behind Amp will. The iPod UI hasn't changed in years - it's always been bad.

What I do wish for Amp in addition to the above is a skin with less flashiness (without glow effects, etc.)

I've used SBSettings to hide the default iPod app as I have no plans to ever use it. Now I'm looking for a hack to swap the iPod icon from the double-tap home button menu (the multitasking/playback menu)