I agree, Google needs to improve the stream significantly, or at least give better options or a choice of default. I really dislike the Buzz-like way that things can pop back up again.

I've actually always been impressed with what Facebook chooses to present to me. I really wonder what algorithm it uses to decide that. I know a lot of people hate it and want the strict timeline, but I like it.

Caleb, I like your solution, and I think Google should borrow another feature from Facebook and let you keep people in a circle, but have the control to hide that person from your stream. I really like that I can do that in Facebook.